Wave Speed

The speed of a wave, often denoted by v, is calculated by multiplying the frequency of the wave by its wavelength. This formula is derived from the relationship between how often a wave oscillates (frequency) and the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase (wavelength).

Frequency, usually measured in hertz (Hz), represents the number of wave cycles per second, while Wavelength is the spatial period of the wave measured in units of length, such as meters. The resulting wave speed is expressed in meters per second (m/s). This calculation is crucial in various scientific disciplines, including physics, oceanography, and acoustics, as it helps determine how fast a wave propagates through a medium.