Frequency to Wavelength Converter
Convert between frequency and wavelength units instantly. Essential for electronics, optics, telecommunications, and physics applications.
Conversion Formula:
Wavelength (λ) = Speed of Light (c) / Frequency (f)
Speed of Light: c = 299,792,458 meters/second
Key Relationships: 1 GHz ≈ 0.3 m wavelength | 1 MHz ≈ 300 m wavelength
About This Frequency-Wavelength Converter
Our Frequency to Wavelength Converter is a specialized tool designed for physicists, engineers, telecommunications specialists, and anyone working with electromagnetic waves. The relationship between frequency and wavelength is fundamental to understanding wave behavior across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays.
The converter uses the universal formula λ = c/f, where λ (lambda) is the wavelength, c is the speed of light in a vacuum (299,792,458 meters per second), and f is the frequency. This tool handles all common frequency and wavelength units, with precise conversions that are crucial for applications in optics, communications, radio engineering, and quantum physics.
Key Features
Comprehensive Unit Support
Convert between multiple frequency units (Hz, kHz, MHz, GHz, THz) and wavelength units (m, cm, mm, μm, nm) using the exact speed of light constant.
Scientific Precision
Maintain accuracy across different measurement scales, from radio waves to visible light and beyond, with appropriate decimal handling.
Bidirectional Conversion
Convert in both directions—from frequency to wavelength or wavelength to frequency—with the same high precision and ease of use.
EM Spectrum Applications
Perfect for applications across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from RF engineering to optical communications and radiation physics.
Why Choose Our Converter?
- Physical Constants: Uses the exact speed of light (299,792,458 m/s) for highest accuracy
- Scientific Range: Handles both everyday units and extreme values used in specialized disciplines
- Intuitive Interface: Designed for both students and professionals with clear input/output
- Smart Formatting: Automatically adjusts decimal precision based on magnitude
- Responsive Design: Works flawlessly across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices
Frequently Asked Questions
How are frequency and wavelength related?
Frequency and wavelength are inversely related according to the fundamental equation: λ = c/f, where λ (lambda) is the wavelength, c is the speed of light (299,792,458 m/s in vacuum), and f is the frequency. This means that as frequency increases, wavelength decreases proportionally, and vice versa. This relationship applies to all electromagnetic waves, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. The product of frequency and wavelength always equals the wave's propagation speed (the speed of light in the case of electromagnetic waves).
What frequency ranges correspond to different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum?
The electromagnetic spectrum spans an enormous range of frequencies and wavelengths:
• Radio waves: 3 kHz - 300 MHz (wavelengths: 100 km - 1 m)
• Microwaves: 300 MHz - 300 GHz (wavelengths: 1 m - 1 mm)
• Infrared radiation: 300 GHz - 400 THz (wavelengths: 1 mm - 750 nm)
• Visible light: 400 THz - 750 THz (wavelengths: 750 nm - 400 nm)
• Ultraviolet radiation: 750 THz - 30 PHz (wavelengths: 400 nm - 10 nm)
• X-rays: 30 PHz - 30 EHz (wavelengths: 10 nm - 0.01 nm)
• Gamma rays: >30 EHz (wavelengths: <0.01 nm)
Each range has unique properties and applications in science, medicine, communications, and everyday technology.
Does the medium affect wavelength and frequency?
Yes, but in different ways. When an electromagnetic wave travels through different media (air, water, glass, etc.):
• Frequency remains constant regardless of the medium.
• Wavelength changes as the wave's velocity changes in the medium.
• The speed of the wave decreases in denser media according to v = c/n, where n is the refractive index.
Therefore, the wavelength in a medium is calculated as λ_medium = λ_vacuum/n = c/(f×n).
This property is crucial in optics, fiber communications, and many other applications. Our converter provides the vacuum wavelength; for material-specific calculations, you'll need to divide by the material's refractive index.
What are common frequency and wavelength values in everyday applications?
Common frequency and wavelength values include:
• AM Radio: 540-1600 kHz (wavelengths ~556-187 m)
• FM Radio: 88-108 MHz (wavelengths ~3.4-2.8 m)
• Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (wavelengths ~12.5 cm and ~6 cm)
• Microwave ovens: 2.45 GHz (wavelength ~12.2 cm)
• Visible light: ~430-750 THz (wavelengths ~700-400 nm)
• X-ray imaging: ~30 PHz - 30 EHz (wavelengths ~10 nm - 0.01 nm)
• Cell phones: 700 MHz - 2.6 GHz (wavelengths ~42.8 cm - 11.5 cm)
• Bluetooth: 2.4-2.4835 GHz (wavelengths ~12.5-12.1 cm)
These applications leverage specific frequencies based on factors like atmospheric penetration, bandwidth requirements, and regulatory allocations.
How do I calculate energy from frequency or wavelength?
The energy of a photon (the quantum of electromagnetic radiation) is directly proportional to its frequency according to Planck's equation:
E = h × f
Where:
• E is the energy in joules (J)
• h is Planck's constant (6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s)
• f is the frequency in hertz (Hz)
Alternatively, using wavelength:
E = h × c / λ
Where:
• c is the speed of light (299,792,458 m/s)
• λ is the wavelength in meters
This relationship is fundamental in quantum physics and explains why higher frequency radiation (like X-rays and gamma rays) carries more energy and is more dangerous to living tissue than lower frequency radiation (like radio waves).