Wavelength

The wavelength of a wave is the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase (for example, two consecutive peaks or troughs) in a wave.

Notation

We typically represente wavelength using the Greek letter lambda: \lambda.

Units

Wavelength is a, well, length, so we measure it in metres (m) - or another derivation of it, such as centimetres.

Calculating wavelength

Wavelength can be calculated using the formula:

\text{Wavelength} = \frac{\text{speed of wave}}{\text{Frequency}}

Or, using symbols:

\lambda = \frac{v}{f}

Where:

• \lambda is the wavelength (in metres, m)
• v is the speed of the wave (in metres per second, m/s)
• f is the frequency of the wave (in hertz, Hz)