Wavelength: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe the physical length of one complete cycle of a wave, often in physics and engineering contexts.

• The wavelength of the light determines its color.
• Radio waves with longer wavelengths can travel further.

Used when talking about how often something happens, usually in the context of waves, signals, or recurring events.

• The frequency of the alarm is set to alert every hour.
• Higher frequency sounds are often perceived as higher in pitch.

This is more general and can describe any repeated event's time span. Often used in physics and mathematics.

• The period of the pendulum's swing is 2 seconds.
• The Earth's rotation period is about 24 hours.

Specifically refers to the time it takes for one complete wave cycle to pass a point. Commonly used in oceanography and signal processing.

• The wave period can help predict the arrival time of tides.
• You can calculate the wave speed if you know the wavelength and wave period.

Repeated entry and describes the same concept as the first 'wavelength'.

• Different lasers operate at different wavelengths for various applications.

A common misspelling or spacing error for 'wavelength'. It's not typically used in scientific contexts. Always use 'wavelength' instead.

Used mainly in spectroscopy and quantum mechanics to indicate the number of wavelengths per unit distance, often in terms of reciprocal centimeters (cm⁻¹).

• The wavenumber provides information about the energy of photons in infrared spectroscopy.
• In quantum mechanics, the wavenumber is related to the momentum of particles.

Used in physics and oceanography to describe the time it takes for one complete wave cycle to pass a given point.

• The wave period is around 5 seconds, indicating a fast-moving wave.
• In oceanography, the wave period can help predict surf conditions.

Used primarily in the context of physics and engineering to describe the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially in the context of electromagnetic waves like light. It can also be used metaphorically to describe being on the same mental or emotional page as someone.

• Different colors of light have different wavelengths.
• She and her friend seem to be on the same wavelength about most things.

Used in communications and signal processing to describe a specific range of frequencies used for transmitting a particular type of signal.

• Wi-Fi networks operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.
• The radio station broadcasts on the FM frequency band.

Used in physics to describe the range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. It also has a broader usage to describe a wide range of related qualities or ideas.

• The visible spectrum includes all the colors that the human eye can see.
• The politician's views span the political spectrum from conservative to liberal.

Often used in telecommunications to refer to a medium used for the transmission of signals, such as in TV and radio broadcasts. It can also mean a means of communication or distribution.

• Switch the TV to channel 5 to watch the news.
• We need to establish a new channel of communication between departments.