How is the speed of a wave calculated?

The speed of a wave is determined by the product of its frequency and wavelength. This relationship comes from the definition of wave speed, which states that speed is equal to the distance traveled per unit of time.

In the context of waves, the wavelength is the distance between consecutive points of the wave, such as the distance between two peaks, while the frequency represents how many cycles of the wave pass a given point per second. Therefore, when you multiply the frequency (cycles per second) by the wavelength (distance per cycle), you obtain the speed of the wave (distance per time). This fundamental formula helps in understanding how waves propagate through different mediums and allows for calculations related to sound, light, and other types of waves.

By understanding this relationship, one can analyze various wave phenomena and their behavior in different environments, making it a crucial aspect of wave physics.