Frequency Calculator – Wavelength and Frequency Converter
Convert between wavelength and frequency for electromagnetic waves
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Choose to calculate from wavelength or frequency
- Enter the wavelength value and select the unit (meters, centimeters, etc.)
- Or enter the frequency value and select the unit (Hz, kHz, MHz, GHz)
- Select the desired output unit
- Click calculate to see the result
What is Frequency?
Frequency is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time. In the context of waves, it represents how many wave cycles pass a given point per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
Frequency and wavelength are inversely related through the equation: f = c / λ, where f is frequency, c is the speed of light, and λ is wavelength.
Wavelength and Frequency Relationship
The relationship between wavelength and frequency is fundamental in physics:
- Higher frequency means shorter wavelength
- Lower frequency means longer wavelength
- The product of frequency and wavelength equals the speed of light
- This relationship applies to all electromagnetic waves
Applications
- Radio and telecommunications engineering
- Optics and laser technology
- Spectroscopy and chemical analysis
- Medical imaging and radiation therapy
- Astronomy and astrophysics
- Wireless communication systems
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
| Wave Type | Frequency Range | Wavelength Range |
|---|---|---|
| Radio Waves | < 300 GHz | > 1 mm |
| Microwaves | 300 MHz - 300 GHz | 1 mm - 1 m |
| Infrared | 300 GHz - 430 THz | 700 nm - 1 mm |
| Visible Light | 430 - 770 THz | 390 - 700 nm |
| Ultraviolet | 770 THz - 30 PHz | 10 - 390 nm |
| X-rays | 30 PHz - 30 EHz | 0.01 - 10 nm |
| Gamma Rays | > 30 EHz | < 0.01 nm |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?
- Frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional. As frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa. Their product always equals the speed of light (c = f × λ).
- What is the speed of light?
- The speed of light in vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (m/s). This is a fundamental constant in physics and is used to calculate the relationship between frequency and wavelength.
- Can this calculator be used for sound waves?
- No, this calculator uses the speed of light and is designed for electromagnetic waves. Sound waves travel at different speeds depending on the medium and require different calculations.
- What units can I use for wavelength and frequency?
- For wavelength: meters (m), centimeters (cm), millimeters (mm), micrometers (μm), and nanometers (nm). For frequency: Hertz (Hz), kilohertz (kHz), megahertz (MHz), and gigahertz (GHz).