Waves
Wave Equation
Fundamental wave relationship.
Variables
vm/s
Wave speed
Speed of propagation
Allowed values: greater than 0
fHz
Frequency
Oscillations per second
In SI units: 1/s
Allowed values: greater than 0
λm
Wavelength
Distance between crests
Allowed values: greater than 0
Derivation
Wave travels λ in time T: v = λ/T = λf.
Your notes
0/5000
Check value
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- f = 2 Hz (Frequency)
- λ = 3 m (Wavelength)
Result: v = 6 m/s
Other waves formulas with the same quantities
- Wave Number (Wave Properties) shares Wavelength
- Wave Speed on String (Wave Properties) shares Wave speed
- Doppler Effect (General) (Doppler Effect) shares Wave speed
- Doppler Effect (Approaching) (Doppler Effect) shares Wave speed
- Doppler Effect (Receding) (Doppler Effect) shares Wave speed
Where this formula is listed
- Waves formulas, under Wave Properties, alongside Wave Intensity, Intensity-Amplitude Relation, Inverse Square Law (Intensity), Reflection Coefficient and Transmission Coefficient.
- In the waves list it comes after Resonance Amplitude and before Period and Frequency.
- Waves formula sheet, one of 37 formulas printed with symbol keys and SI units.
- The full formula index, grouped by category and topic.
Common questions
What is the Wave Equation formula?
Wave Equation is written v = fλ. Fundamental wave relationship. It belongs to Waves, under Wave Properties.
What are the units in v = fλ?
In SI units, v is wave speed, measured in m/s; f is frequency, measured in 1/s; λ is wavelength, measured in m.
How is the Wave Equation formula derived?
Wave travels λ in time T: v = λ/T = λf. The result is v = fλ.