Question map
The frequency (f), wavelength (2) and speed (v) of a sound wave are related as
Explanation
The relationship between the speed (v), frequency (f), and wavelength (λ) of a wave is defined by the fundamental wave equation. Wavelength is the horizontal distance between successive crests, while frequency is the number of waves passing a point per second [3]. The speed of a wave is the distance it travels in a given time; specifically, it travels one wavelength in the time of one period. Since frequency is the reciprocal of the period, the speed (v) is calculated by multiplying the frequency (f) by the wavelength (λ), expressed as v = fλ [1]. This formula applies to all waves, including sound and electromagnetic waves. While speed is primarily determined by the properties of the medium, frequency and wavelength maintain an inverse relationship to satisfy this equation [2].
Sources
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 15: Tsunami > Basics > p. 192
- [3] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 13: Movements of Ocean Water > Characteristics of Waves > p. 109
- [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 20: Earths Atmosphere > Explanation: > p. 279