Wave frequency
The frequency of a wave is the number of complete waves that pass a given point in one second.
Notation
Section titled “Notation”We usually use the letter
Frequency is measured in hertz (
One hertz is equal to one wave passing a point per second.
Calculating frequency
Section titled “Calculating frequency”Frequency can be calculated using the re-arranged formula for wavelength and wave speed:
Or, using symbols:
Where:
is the frequency (in hertz, ) is the speed of the wave (in metres per second, ) is the wavelength of the wave (in metres, )
Relationship with wavelength
Section titled “Relationship with wavelength”It is inversely proportional to the wavelength of the wave - that is, as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.
This assumes that the speed of the wave remains constant.