Print

Science

An introduction to waves

Page:

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  1. Back
  2. Next

Wave speed

You should know and be able to use the relationship between wave speed, frequency and wavelength.

How fast do waves travel?

The speed of a wave - its wave speed - is related to its frequency and wavelength, according to this equation:

wave speed (metre per second) = frequency (hertz) × wavelength (metre)

For example, a wave with a frequency of 100Hz and a wavelength of 2m travels at 100 × 2 = 200m/s.

Check your understanding of the equation by having a go at this activity.

Now try a Test Bite

Page:

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  1. Back
  2. Next

Back to Radiation and the Universe index

Chat

girl thinking

Science Message Board

Post ideas and discuss Science here.

Links

Science and Nature

BBC Science and Nature

The natural world and beyond!

On the web

bbc.co.uk navigation

BBC © 2012 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.