Wave Calculator - Calculate Wave Properties Online
Free online wave calculator to calculate frequency, wavelength, velocity, and period. Perfect for physics students and wave analysis.
Wave Properties
Wave Results
Enter wave properties to calculate missing values
About Wave Calculator
The Wave Calculator helps you calculate wave properties using the fundamental wave equation and related formulas.
Wave Equation:
v = fλ
Where:
- v = Wave velocity (m/s)
- f = Frequency (Hz)
- λ = Wavelength (m)
Wave Properties:
- Frequency (f): Number of waves per second
- Wavelength (λ): Distance between wave crests
- Velocity (v): Speed of wave propagation
- Period (T): Time for one complete wave
Relationships:
- Period: T = 1/f
- Frequency: f = 1/T
- Velocity: v = fλ = λ/T
Types of Waves:
- Mechanical Waves: Require a medium (sound, water)
- Electromagnetic Waves: Don't require a medium (light, radio)
- Transverse Waves: Perpendicular to direction of travel
- Longitudinal Waves: Parallel to direction of travel
Applications:
- Physics education and homework
- Acoustics and sound engineering
- Optics and light analysis
- Radio and communication
- Seismology and earthquake analysis
Units:
- Frequency: Hertz (Hz)
- Wavelength: Meters (m)
- Velocity: m/s
- Period: Seconds (s)
Note: This calculator assumes linear wave propagation. For complex wave phenomena, consider dispersion, interference, and other wave effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the wave equation?
The wave equation relates velocity, frequency, and wavelength: v = fλ. This fundamental relationship applies to all types of waves.
What's the difference between frequency and period?
Frequency (f) is the number of waves per second, while period (T) is the time for one complete wave. They are inversely related: T = 1/f.
How do I calculate wave velocity?
Wave velocity can be calculated using v = fλ (frequency × wavelength) or v = λ/T (wavelength ÷ period).
What affects wave velocity?
Wave velocity depends on the medium's properties. For mechanical waves, it depends on the medium's density and elasticity. For electromagnetic waves, it depends on the medium's permittivity and permeability.
Can waves have different frequencies?
Yes, waves can have any frequency. Different frequencies correspond to different wavelengths and energies. In electromagnetic waves, frequency determines the type of radiation (radio, microwave, visible light, etc.).