# Need help with argument about wave equation

by Pseudo Epsilon
Tags: argument, equation, wave
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 P: 102 in the equation v=f$$/lambda$$ can you use c instead of v for wavespeed?
Sci Advisor
HW Helper
Thanks
P: 26,148
Hi Pseudo Epsilon!
 Quote by Pseudo Epsilon in the equation v=f$\lambda$ can you use c instead of v for wavespeed?
If c = v, yes.

(ie electromagnetic waves in a vacuum)
 P: 102 but ive heard it used for other things. Cant it EVER be used for non-em waves? Would it e incorect?
P: 295
Need help with argument about wave equation

 Quote by Pseudo Epsilon but ive heard it used for other things. Cant it EVER be used for non-em waves? Would it e incorect?
It depends on whether or not you are using c to mean the speed of light in a vacuum. If you are then you can't use it as that isn't the speed of the wave. If you are using it as a general speed of a wave and not ##3 \times10^8## then you could use it in the same way as you could use any other symbol, however using c does risk confusion.
 Sci Advisor HW Helper Thanks P: 26,148 and c-sickness! all those waves …
 P: 102 lol.thanks

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