Derive an expression for wave speed in terms of wavelength and frequency.

The general expression for speed is speed=distance/time.The wavelength (lambda) of a wave is the distance between one point on an oscillation to the exact same point on the next oscillation, or more simply the distance travelled in one oscillation. The time period (T) of a wave is the time taken for one complete oscillation. Therefore, for one oscillation, the distance travelled is the wavelength (Lambda) and the time taken is the time period (T). Using the general equation for speed, this gives wave speed (v)=wavelength (Lambda)/Time Period (T).The frequency (f) of a wave is the number of oscillations that occur in one second, and has a relationship with the time period (T) of frequency (f)=1/time period (T). Substituting this into the equation for wave speed gives wave speed (v)=frequency (f) x wavelength (Lambda).

MR
Answered by Muhammed R. Physics tutor

10259 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why are neutrinos hard to detect?


A cricketer throws a ball vertically upwards so that the ball leaves his hands at a speed of 25 m/s. Calculate the maximum height reached by the ball, the time taken to reach max. height, and the speed of the ball when it is at 50% max. height.


I do 400J of work compressing a gas, but I maintain the same temperature. What is the delta U, Q and W in this case?


Topic - force as rate of change of momentum; (i) force on a wall due to water from a hose, (ii) force on a table as a rope is dropped onto it.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning