How do you calculate wave speed?

The correct method for calculating wave speed involves multiplying the wavelength by the frequency. This relationship is foundational in wave mechanics and is described by the equation:

Wave speed = Wavelength × Frequency

Here’s how this works: the wavelength is the distance between successive crests (or troughs) of a wave, and the frequency is the number of wave cycles that pass a point in one second. When you multiply these two quantities, you obtain the speed at which the wave propagates through a medium. This speed is constant for a specific medium given frequency and wavelength.

Understanding this relationship is critical for effectively analyzing wave phenomena in various contexts, such as sound waves, light waves, and water waves. For example, in sound waves, knowing the speed allows for calculations related to pitch and harmony, while in optics, it aids in understanding how light behaves when it travels through different media.

The other options reflect misunderstandings of wave properties or use incorrect relationships, making them unsuitable for determining wave speed. For instance, using amplitude or time incorrectly applies the core principles of wave mechanics.