How do you calculate the wavelength from a wave's speed and frequency?

You calculate the wavelength of a wave by dividing its speed by its frequency, using the formula: wavelength = speed / frequency.

In more detail, the wavelength of a wave is the distance over which the wave's shape repeats. It is usually determined in the direction of the wave's propagation. The speed of a wave is the rate at which it moves in a particular direction, while the frequency of a wave is the number of oscillations (or cycles) that pass a given point in a specific amount of time.

The relationship between these three properties - wavelength, speed, and frequency - is given by the formula: wavelength = speed / frequency. This formula is derived from the basic definition of speed, which is distance travelled per unit time. In the case of a wave, the 'distance travelled' is one wavelength, and the 'unit time' is one period of the wave, which is the reciprocal of the frequency.

To calculate the wavelength of a wave, you need to know its speed and frequency. Once you have these values, you simply divide the speed by the frequency. The result will be the wavelength of the wave, usually measured in metres (m).

For example, if a wave has a speed of 300 m/s and a frequency of 100 Hz, its wavelength would be calculated as follows: wavelength = 300 m/s / 100 Hz = 3 m. This means that the wave repeats its shape every 3 metres.

Remember, this formula applies to all types of waves, including sound waves, light waves, and electromagnetic waves. However, the speed of the wave will vary depending on the medium through which it is travelling. For instance, sound waves travel at different speeds through air, water, and steel. Similarly, light and electromagnetic waves travel at different speeds through different materials. Therefore, when calculating the wavelength, make sure you use the correct speed for the medium in question.