wavelength
Definition
Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave. It is measured in meters. Wavelength is related to the frequency of the wave by the equation:
wavelength = speed of wave / frequency
Where:
- wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of the wave, measured in metres
- speed of the wave is the speed at which the wave travels, measured in meters per second
- frequency is the number of waves that pass a point in a given amount of time, measured in hertz (Hz)
The wavelength of a wave determines how much energy it carries. The shorter the wavelength, the more energy the wave carries.
Wavelength is an important property of waves and it is used in many different applications, such as sonar, radar, and spectroscopy.
How can the word be used?
The wavelength of light is the distance between two successive peaks of the light wave.
Different forms of the word
Noun: the distance between two successive peaks of a wave.
Etymology
The word "wavelength" comes from the combination of the words "wave" and "length".
The word "wave" comes from the Old English word "wāgan", which means "to move to and fro".
The word "length" comes from the Old English word "lengthe", which means "the extent of something from end to end".
The first recorded use of the word "wavelength" was in the 19th century.
Question
What happens when a wave length chances?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the concept of wavelength in relation to waves. Discuss how wavelength influences the properties of waves and give examples of how different wavelengths are encountered in everyday life.
Answer:
Wavelength is a fundamental characteristic of waves that refers to the distance between two consecutive points on a wave that are in phase, such as two crests or two troughs. It plays a significant role in determining various properties of waves and their behaviour.
In general, longer wavelengths correspond to lower frequencies, while shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies. This relationship is governed by the wave equation, where speed equals frequency multiplied by wavelength.
For example, in electromagnetic waves, different wavelengths of light manifest as different colours. Visible light contains a range of colours, each corresponding to a specific wavelength within the electromagnetic spectrum.
In sound waves, wavelength affects the pitch of the sound. Higher-pitched sounds have shorter wavelengths, while lower-pitched sounds have longer wavelengths.
Radio waves, used in wireless communication, have much longer wavelengths compared to visible light. This is why radio waves can travel through walls and other obstacles more effectively, allowing them to transmit information over long distances.