How it's calculated
v = f × λ
v = wave speed (m/s), f = frequency (Hz), λ = wavelength (m). The fundamental wave relation.
Worked examples
| Frequency | Wavelength | Speed | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 256 Hz | 1.34 m | 343 m/s | Sound in air |
| 100 MHz | 3 m | 3.0 x 10^8 m/s | FM radio in vacuum |
| 2 Hz | 0.5 m | 1 m/s | Water ripple |
Common questions
What is the wave speed equation?
v = f x lambda, where v is speed, f is frequency, and lambda is wavelength. Higher frequency with the same wavelength means a faster wave.
Does frequency or wavelength change the speed?
In a given medium the speed is fixed, so raising the frequency shortens the wavelength and vice versa. Speed itself changes only when the medium changes.