How do wave speed, frequency, and wavelength relate?

Wave speed, frequency, and wavelength are interconnected, with wave speed being the product of frequency and wavelength.

In more detail, the speed of a wave - often denoted as 'v' - is determined by the product of its frequency (f) and wavelength (λ). This relationship is expressed in the formula v = fλ. Frequency refers to the number of waves that pass a fixed point in a given amount of time, usually one second. It is measured in hertz (Hz). Wavelength, on the other hand, is the distance between two consecutive points in a wave that are in phase - for example, the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs.

If you know the speed of a wave and its frequency, you can calculate its wavelength. Similarly, if you know the speed and wavelength, you can determine the frequency. For instance, if a wave has a speed of 300 m/s and a frequency of 100 Hz, its wavelength would be 3 metres. Conversely, if a wave has a speed of 300 m/s and a wavelength of 2 metres, its frequency would be 150 Hz.

It's important to note that while the speed of a wave can change when it moves from one medium to another, the frequency of a wave remains constant. This is because frequency is determined by the source of the wave, such as a vibrating string or a radio transmitter. When a wave enters a new medium and its speed changes, its wavelength must also change to maintain the relationship v = fλ. For example, when light passes from air into water, it slows down and its wavelength decreases, but its frequency remains the same.