Wave Equation Mechanics
Waves propagate through spaces transporting energy. The mathematical equation describing this flow is direct: the speed of the wave (v) equals the frequency (f) multiplied by the wavelength (λ).
The Standard Formulas
Solve Wavelength
λ = v / f
Solve Frequency
f = v / λ
Solve Wave Speed
v = f × λ
Electromagnetic Spectrum Reference
When waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum, we can categorize their wavelength into distinct spectral regions:
| Region | Wavelength Range | Frequency Range |
|---|---|---|
| Gamma Rays | < 10 pm | > 30 EHz |
| X-Rays | 10 pm – 10 nm | 30 PHz – 30 EHz |
| Ultraviolet (UV) | 10 nm – 400 nm | 750 THz – 30 PHz |
| Visible Light | 400 nm – 700 nm | 430 THz – 750 THz |
| Infrared (IR) | 700 nm – 1 mm | 300 GHz – 430 THz |
| Microwaves | 1 mm – 1 m | 300 MHz – 300 GHz |
| Radio Waves | > 1 m | < 300 MHz |