Here are the steps to calculate the wavelength of a wave:
1. Identify the wave's speed. This is usually represented by the variable v. For example, if the wave is traveling through water, you would likely use v = 1,500 m/s as the speed of sound in water.
2. Identify the wave's frequency. This is usually represented by the variable f. Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz) which is cycles per second.
3. Use the equation:
wavelength = velocity / frequency
Or: λ = v / f
Where:
λ (lambda) = wavelength
v = velocity of the wave
f = frequency of the wave
4. Plug the values for velocity and frequency into the equation to solve for wavelength.
For example, if a sound wave travels through water at 1,500 m/s and has a frequency of 5,000 Hz, then:
λ = v / f
λ = (1,500 m/s) / (5,000 Hz)
λ = 0.3 m
So the wavelength of this wave is 0.3 meters.