Derive an expression for wave speed in terms of wavelength and frequency.

The general expression for speed is speed=distance/time.The wavelength (lambda) of a wave is the distance between one point on an oscillation to the exact same point on the next oscillation, or more simply the distance travelled in one oscillation. The time period (T) of a wave is the time taken for one complete oscillation. Therefore, for one oscillation, the distance travelled is the wavelength (Lambda) and the time taken is the time period (T). Using the general equation for speed, this gives wave speed (v)=wavelength (Lambda)/Time Period (T).The frequency (f) of a wave is the number of oscillations that occur in one second, and has a relationship with the time period (T) of frequency (f)=1/time period (T). Substituting this into the equation for wave speed gives wave speed (v)=frequency (f) x wavelength (Lambda).

Answered by Muhammed R. Physics tutor

5697 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A box is pulled with a rope at 26° to the horizontal and a tension of 120N. What is the work done in pulling it 5 metres?


When a particle travels in a circle of radius r, at constant speed v, what is its acceleration


What Newton’s third law of motion?


What is a neutrino?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences