Understanding the Relationship
* Frequency (f): Measured in Hertz (Hz), represents the number of sound wave cycles per second.
* Wavelength (λ): Measured in meters (m), represents the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a sound wave.
* Speed of Sound (v): In air, the speed of sound is approximately 343 meters per second (m/s) at room temperature.
The Formula
The relationship between frequency, wavelength, and the speed of sound is:
```
v = fλ
```
Calculation
1. Convert frequency to Hz: 16 kHz = 16,000 Hz
2. Rearrange the formula to solve for wavelength: λ = v / f
3. Substitute the values: λ = 343 m/s / 16,000 Hz
4. Calculate: λ ≈ 0.0214 meters
Answer: The wavelength of a 16 kHz sound wave in air is approximately 0.0214 meters or 21.4 millimeters.
