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Frequency Formula:
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The frequency formula calculates the number of wave cycles per second (Hertz) using the speed of light and wavelength. It is derived from the fundamental relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength.
The calculator uses the frequency formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength - as wavelength increases, frequency decreases, and vice versa.
Details: Frequency calculation is essential in various fields including telecommunications, optics, spectroscopy, and electromagnetic wave analysis. It helps determine the energy of photons and characterize electromagnetic radiation.
Tips: Enter wavelength in meters. The value must be valid (wavelength > 0). The calculator uses the constant speed of light in vacuum (299792458 m/s).
Q1: Why is the speed of light constant in this calculation?
A: In vacuum, the speed of light is a fundamental physical constant (299792458 m/s) that remains the same regardless of the observer's frame of reference.
Q2: What are typical frequency ranges for different types of electromagnetic waves?
A: Radio waves: 3 kHz-300 GHz, Microwaves: 300 MHz-300 GHz, Infrared: 300 GHz-430 THz, Visible light: 430-750 THz, UV: 750 THz-30 PHz, X-rays: 30 PHz-30 EHz, Gamma rays: >30 EHz.
Q3: How does frequency relate to energy?
A: According to Planck's equation (E = hν), energy is directly proportional to frequency, where h is Planck's constant (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s).
Q4: Can this formula be used for other waves besides light?
A: Yes, the general formula ν = v/λ applies to all waves, where v is the wave speed. For electromagnetic waves in vacuum, v equals the speed of light.
Q5: What is the relationship between frequency and color in visible light?
A: Different frequencies correspond to different colors: red has the lowest frequency (~430 THz), violet has the highest frequency (~750 THz) in the visible spectrum.