Physics
Frequency from wave speed and wavelength
The primary relationship: frequency equals wave speed divided by wavelength.
The Formula
f = v / lambda
The primary relationship: frequency equals wave speed divided by wavelength.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| f | Frequency | hertz | Cycles per second, in hertz. |
| v | Wave speed | m/s | How fast the disturbance travels, in metres per second. |
| lambda | Wavelength | metres | Distance between two identical points on the wave, in metres. |
What Each Symbol Means
fhertz
Frequency
Cycles per second, in hertz.
vm/s
Wave speed
How fast the disturbance travels, in metres per second.
lambdametres
Wavelength
Distance between two identical points on the wave, in metres.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate frequency page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Frequency, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.