# Wavelength Calculator (λ = v/f, period, wave number, angular frequency) Solve wavelength, frequency, or wave speed from v=f·λ, with derived period, angular frequency, wave number, and photon energy > Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/wavelength-calculator - **Category:** Math & Numbers - **Keywords:** wavelength, frequency, wave speed, wave equation, period, angular frequency, wave number, photon energy, v=fλ, physics, waves ## Overview Universal wave equation: v = f · λ. Three-way solver: - λ = v / f, f = v / λ, v = f · λ Derived: period T = 1/f, angular frequency ω = 2πf, wave number k = 2π/λ. For light: photon energy E = hf (h = 6.626e-34 J·s). Medium presets: air 343 m/s, water 1493 m/s, steel ~5960 m/s, light 299792458 m/s. ## Inputs - **Solve For** (select) - **Medium (preset v)** (select) - **Wavelength (λ, m)** (number): leave blank when solving for wavelength - **Frequency (f, Hz)** (number): leave blank when solving for frequency - **Wave Speed (v, m/s)** (number): auto-filled from medium; override when Custom ## When to use - When analyzing acoustic waves in different mediums like air, water, or steel to find their physical wavelength or frequency. - When calculating electromagnetic wave properties, such as converting light wavelength to frequency and determining photon energy. - When solving physics homework or engineering problems involving wave mechanics, period, angular frequency, and wave number. ## How it works - Select the variable you want to solve for: Wavelength, Frequency, or Wave Speed. - Choose a medium preset to automatically set the wave speed, or select Custom to input a specific velocity manually. - Enter the known value for either wavelength or frequency in the designated input field. - Click calculate to view the solved variable alongside derived values like wave period, angular frequency, wave number, and photon energy. ## Use cases - Acoustic engineering: Calculating the wavelength of specific sound frequencies in air or water to design soundproofing or sonar systems. - Optics and photonics: Converting laser wavelengths to frequency and calculating the corresponding photon energy in electronvolts. - Physics education: Verifying manual calculations for wave equations, angular frequency, and wave numbers in classroom assignments. ## Frequently asked questions ### What medium presets are available in the calculator? The calculator includes presets for air (343 m/s), water (1493 m/s), steel (~5960 m/s), and light/vacuum (299,792,458 m/s). ### How does the calculator determine photon energy? For light waves, it calculates photon energy using the formula E = hf, where h is Planck's constant (6.626e-34 J·s). ### Can I input custom wave speeds? Yes, select the 'Custom' medium preset and manually enter your desired wave speed in meters per second. ### What derived wave properties does this tool output? It outputs the wave period (T), angular frequency (ω), wave number (k), and photon energy (E) where applicable. ### What units should I use for inputs? 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