Wave Calculations
Wave Speed
● Is measured by finding the distance of one wavelength and dividing it by the
amount of time it takes to travel one period
● The speed is usually calculated by multiplying the wavelength times
frequency
Wave Equation
V = speed of wave (m/s)
f = frequency of wave (Hz)
ƛ= wavelength (m)
Example 1
What is the velocity of a wave with a frequency of 760 Hz and a
wavelength of 0.45 m?
Example 1 Solution
What is the velocity of a wave with a frequency of 760 Hz and a
wavelength of 0.45 m?
V = (760 Hz) x (0.45 m)
V = 342 m/s
Example 2
What is the wavelength of a sound wave moving at 340 m/s with a
frequency of 256 Hz?
Example 2 Solution
What is the wavelength of a sound wave moving at 340 m/s with a
frequency of 256 Hz?
340 m/s = 256 Hz x ƛ
(Divide both sides by 256 Hz)
1.3 m = ƛ
Example 3
The speed of a wave is 65 m/s. If the wavelength is 0.8 meters, what is
the frequency of the wave?
Example 3 Solution
The speed of a wave is 65 m/s. If the wavelength is 0.8 meters, what is
the frequency of the wave?
65 m/s = f x 0.8 m
(Divide both sides by 0.8 m)
81.25 Hz = f