Taking into account the definition of wavelength, frecuency and propagation speed, the frequency of the wave is 9.375×10⁹ Hz.
Definition of wavelength, frecuency and propagation speed
Wavelength is the minimum distance between two successive points on the wave that are in the same state of vibration. It is expressed in units of length (m).
Frequency is the number of vibrations that occur in a unit of time. Its unit is s⁻¹ or hertz (Hz).
The propagation speed is the speed with which the wave propagates in the medium, that is, it is the magnitude that measures the speed at which the wave disturbance propagates along its displacement.
The propagation speed relate the wavelength (λ) and the frequency (f) inversely proportional using the following equation:
v = f×λ
All electromagnetic waves propagate in a vacuum at a constant speed of 3×10⁸ m/s, the speed of light.
Frequency of the wave
In this case, you know:
- v=3×10⁸ m/s
- f= ?
- λ= 3.2×10⁻² m
Replacing in the definition of propagation speed:
3×10⁸ m/s= f× 3.2×10⁻² m
Solving:
f= 3×10⁸ m/s ÷ 3.2×10⁻² m
f= 9.375×10⁹ Hz
In summary, the frequency of the wave is 9.375×10⁹ Hz.