What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in sound waves?

The Relationship Between Frequency and Wavelength in Sound Waves

Frequency refers to the number of wave cycles that occur in a particular time period, usually measured in hertz (Hz). On the other hand, wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points on a wave that are in phase with each other. In sound waves, frequency and wavelength are interconnected through the speed of sound in the medium.

As mentioned earlier, the equation v = fλ represents the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and the speed of sound. When sound travels through a medium, it does so at a specific speed, which is determined by the physical properties of that medium. In air, for example, the speed of sound is approximately 340 meters per second.

When the frequency of a sound wave increases, it means that more wave cycles are passing through a point in a given time interval. As a result, the distance between each wave cycle, which is the wavelength, becomes shorter. This is because the speed of sound remains constant in a specific medium, so a higher frequency requires a shorter wavelength to maintain the relationship defined by the wave equation.

Conversely, if the frequency of a sound wave decreases, the wavelength will increase to compensate for the change in frequency while keeping the speed of sound constant. This inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength is crucial in understanding how sound waves propagate through different mediums and interact with various physical obstacles.