Simple Explanation

The distance between one peak or crest of a wave and the next corresponding peak or crest.

Concise Technical Definition

Wavelength, symbolized by λ (Greek lowercase lambda), is the distance between one peak (crest) of a sine wave and the next corresponding peak. It is inversely related to frequency, meaning that higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths. The wavelength of any frequency can be calculated by dividing the speed of sound (in air, approximately 343 meters per second) by the frequency of the wave. Wavelength is an important concept in acoustics and audio, as it helps define the spatial characteristics of sound waves.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Wavelength is like the distance between the crests of waves in the ocean. Imagine walking from the peak of one wave to the peak of the next one. Just as ocean waves with higher frequency have shorter distances between their peaks, sound waves with higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths.

Industry Usage Summary

Wavelength is a critical concept in acoustics, particularly when considering how sound waves interact with spaces and objects. It helps determine how sound behaves in terms of reflection, diffraction, and absorption. Wavelengths are directly tied to frequency, with higher frequencies having shorter wavelengths, which is why higher frequencies tend to be absorbed by materials more easily than lower frequencies. Understanding wavelength is essential for speaker design, room acoustics, and soundproofing, as it helps predict how sound will travel and interact with the environment.

Engineering Shortcut

The distance between one peak and the next in a wave, calculated by dividing the speed of sound by the frequency.

Full Technical Explanation

Wavelength, represented by the Greek symbol λ (lambda), is the physical distance between two consecutive peaks (or troughs) of a wave, such as a sine wave. The wavelength of a sound wave is determined by dividing the speed of sound by the frequency of the wave. For example, in air at 20°C, the speed of sound is approximately 343 meters per second, so a 1 kHz sound wave has a wavelength of 0.343 meters (343 mm). Wavelength is an essential parameter in understanding the behavior of sound waves in different environments. It affects how sound interacts with objects (e.g., diffraction around corners, reflection off surfaces) and how acoustical treatment and speaker placement are designed. Longer wavelengths (low frequencies) travel farther and are less affected by obstacles, while shorter wavelengths (high frequencies) are more easily absorbed by surfaces and obstacles. Understanding wavelength helps optimize sound quality and performance in both residential and professional audio systems.