* Wavelength (λ): The distance between two consecutive crests (or troughs) of a wave.
* Frequency (f): The number of waves that pass a fixed point in one second.
* Wave Speed (v): How fast the wave travels through the medium.
The relationship is expressed by the following equation:
v = fλ
In simpler words:
* Higher frequency means a faster wave: If you increase the frequency (more waves passing per second), the wave has to travel faster to keep the same distance between the crests.
* Longer wavelength means a faster wave: If you increase the wavelength (the distance between crests is bigger), the wave has to travel faster to keep the same number of waves passing a point per second.
Examples:
* Sound Waves: Higher frequency sound waves have a higher pitch, and longer wavelength sound waves have a lower pitch. The speed of sound is determined by the medium it travels through (air, water, etc.).
* Light Waves: Different colors of light have different wavelengths and frequencies. Red light has a longer wavelength and lower frequency than blue light. The speed of light in a vacuum is constant, but it can change slightly in different mediums.
Key Takeaway:
The speed of a wave is directly proportional to its frequency and wavelength. If you know any two of these values, you can calculate the third.
