Physics
Wave speed from frequency and wavelength
The standard form. Put the frequency in hertz and the wavelength in metres, then multiply to get metres per second.
The Formula
v = f x lambda
The standard form. Put the frequency in hertz and the wavelength in metres, then multiply to get metres per second.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| f | Frequency of the wave | hertz | In hertz, meaning cycles per second. The source sets this value. |
| lambda | Wavelength | metres | In metres, the distance between two neighbouring crests. |
| v | Wave speed | metres per second | Distance the disturbance travels per second, fixed by the medium. |
What Each Symbol Means
fhertz
Frequency of the wave
In hertz, meaning cycles per second. The source sets this value.
lambdametres
Wavelength
In metres, the distance between two neighbouring crests.
vmetres per second
Wave speed
Distance the disturbance travels per second, fixed by the medium.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate wave speed 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 Wave Speed, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.