Finding wavelength with just frequency?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the wavelength of a radio wave given its frequency, specifically focusing on a frequency of 95.0 MHz. The subject area pertains to wave properties in physics, particularly electromagnetic waves.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the formula for wavelength but questions the velocity of the wave they used, initially assuming it to be 343 m/s instead of the speed of light. Other participants provide feedback on the approach and suggest using the correct speed for electromagnetic waves.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and corrections regarding the use of the speed of light in the calculation. There is an acknowledgment of a previous similar problem that helped clarify the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of using different wave speeds and the sensitivity of the problem to these values. The original poster expresses frustration with the feedback from the assignment platform.

DDRchick
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
One radio station in the middle of the FM band has a frequency of 95.0 MHz. What is its wavelength?



lambda=v/f



I assume that the velocity of the wave is 343 m/s. I convert 95MHz to Hz, which is 95,000,000 Hz.
lambda=(343 m/s) / 95,000,000 Hz.
I come up with 3.51e-6.
Webassign, being a big jerk, marks it wrong.
What am i dong wrong =(
I tried dividing by 95 MHz anyway just to see, and that was wrong as well.
Thanks in advance for your guys' help! =)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your approach looks right. I got 3.61e-6 so maybe your program is sensitive to that
 
Radio refers to electomagnetic waves, which propagate at the speed of light, which is the speed of the wave in this question.
 
Yeah...i was about to delete this forum topic because i finally found the same problem in an earlier assignment.
I'd have to use the speed of light and divide the Hz. xD Woops.
Thanks guys =)
 

Similar threads

Doppler effect: why do I find this exercise so difficult?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
How to Solve a Doppler Effect Problem with a Moving Vehicle and Siren at Rest
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Violin frequencies and harmonics
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Find wavelength, frequency and speed of a wave,
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
Peak wavelength and Spectral Bandwidth
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
What frequency does the blood receive? What frequency return
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Destructive interference and constructive interference
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Wavelength of the sounds at zero degrees
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
Find the speed of the source (Doppler Effect)
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
6K
Doppler Effect Question regarding wavelength changing
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K