Frequency, Wavelength and Velocity

• The frequency, wavelength and velocity of a wave are mathematically related, as shown in the following variations of the wave formula.

• In terms of frequency:

• In terms of wavelength:

• In terms of velocity:

• The velocity of a wave is constant for a given medium. Therefore, frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional.

• This means that:

• The higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength.

• The lower the frequency, the longer the wavelength.

• The amplitude of a wave does not affect its frequency, wavelength or velocity.

The frequency, wavelength and velocity of a wave are mathematically related.