Frequency-Wavelength-Speed Relationship

The Wave Equation Video Tutorial provides a logical derivation of the wave equation, demonstrates how to use it to solve physics word problems, and explains how changes in frequency effect the wavelength when the medium does not change.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

In what way are wavelength, frequency and speed mathematically related?
How can the relationship be used?

Video

You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).

To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:

Additional and Related Learning Tools

Calculator Pad, Vibrations and Waves, Problem Sets WM6 - WM9
Calculator Pad problem sets make for awesome problem-solving practice. They provide problems with random numbers, an answer field, and lots of help. Enter an answer and check it; correct it if it's wrong. Problem Sets WM6 - WM9 includes problems of varying difficulty which require the use of the v = f•lambda equation. Tap one of the Help links if you're having trouble.

Minds On Physics, Wave Motion: Mission WM4 - Wavelength, Frequency, and Speed
Minds On Physics will give you a mental work-out as you make an effort to work out the meaning of concepts and the relationships among concepts. This one is a perfect follow-up to the video. Give it a try. Tap the Help button (textbook icon) as needed. Learn!

Concept Builder: Waves and Sound - Rocking the Boat
This Concept Builder includes an analysis similar to that done near the end of the video on Slide 7. You will receive immediate feedback and chances to correct answers when wrong.

Physics Classroom Tutorial: Vibrations and Waves Chapter, Lesson 2 - The Wave Equation
Our written tutorial pages provide a thorough, easy-to-understand, common-sense approach to Physics topics. This particular page addresses the same topics covered in the video. As such, it makes a great reference for a quick check-up or clarification of an idea.

Teacher Resources

Curriculum Corner: Wave Motion
Try our Curriculum Corner for a Think Sheet or a whole unit of Think Sheets and get your students thinking about waves. If the video is homework; then these are awesome next day starters. This is free curriculum for the taking. And for a few extra bucks, you can obtain the source documents and purchase a license to place them and any deriviative from them on your course management pages; see the Solutions Guide.

Calculator Pad, Vibrations and Waves, Problem Sets WM6 - WM9
Calculator Pad problem sets make for awesome problem-solving practice. They provide problems with random numbers, an answer field, and lots of help. Students enter an answer and have it checked; they can correct it if it's wrong. Problem Sets WM6 - WM9 includes problems of varying difficulty which require the use of the v = f•lambda equation. Each problem is accompanied by some form of help.

Minds On Physics, Wave Motion: Mission WM4 - Wavelength, Frequency, and Speed
This is a great interactive mission to combine with the video.

Concept Builder: Waves and Sound - Rocking the Boat
This Concept Builder includes an analysis similar to that done near the end of the video on Slide 7. Students will receive immediate feedback and chances to correct answers when wrong.

Concept Builder: Waves and Sound - Matching Pairs - Wave Characteristics
Very few students fail to see the value in a Concept Builder. These interactive exercises provide ample ooportunity to put conceptual understandings to use. This one pertains to wave speed, wavelength, amplitude, frequency, and period. It is an exceptional review of this video and the two that came before it in our Tutorial Series on Vibrations and Waves.

Concept Builder: Waves and Sound - Waves: Case Studies
In this Concept Builder, students will learn how to predict the effect of wave properties and medium properties upon the speed and wavelength of a wave. It's great practice for the concepts in the last half of the video.

Lesson Notes

Download (opens in a new tab) or view below

Slides

Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.