A wave of frequency 500 Hz travels at 340 m per second. Its wavelength is
- A. 0.68 m
- B. 1.47 m
- C. 170 m
- D. 0.34 m
Explanation
Wavelength is speed divided by frequency, so 340 divided by 500 gives 0.68 m. Multiplying instead of dividing produces the absurdly large 170 m, which a quick sanity check on audible sound would rule out. Middle C at about 262 Hz has a wavelength of roughly 1.3 m, which is a useful reference point.