WavelengthA wavelength is the distance between two repeating units of a regular wave pattern. This is usually measured from crest to crest. Sine waves measure from midpoint to midpoint, rather than crest to crest. In formulas, the Greek letter lambda (λ) is typically used to symbolize it.
Wavelength varies with energy, with the medium it is traveling through, and with a few other variables like gravity or even light and radio wave interference. In a non-vacuum medium, the refractive index of the medium typically determines the new wavelength, but the frequency is unchanged; the wave just speeds up. This is used to great effect by many people studying waves: earthquake researchers, whale researchers, radio researchers, radar researchers, and even WiFi technicians looking to extend the reach wireless signals.
Wavelength has an inverse relationship with frequency, or the number of peaks in a wave to pass a specified point within a given time. This makes sense when you figure that shorter wavelengths will pass more frequently than longer wavelengths. Wavelength is equal to the speed of the wave type divided by the wave frequency. The speed of electromagnetic radiation in a vacuum is equal to the speed of light.
Large particles tend to have smaller wavelengths than photons.
Web Resources On Wavelength
Frequency & Wavelength Calculator
Frequency vs. Wavelength
Book Resources On WavelengthApplication of High-Field and Short Wavelength Sources by DiMauro & Murnane (Eds)
X-Ray Emission Line & Absorption Wave Lengths & Two-Theta Tables-Ds37-A by E. W. White
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