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Definition: wavelength


The distance between crests of a wave. The wavelength determines the nature of the various forms of radiant energy that comprise the electromagnetic spectrum. For electromagnetic waves, the wavelength in meters is computed by the speed of light divided by frequency (300,000,000/Hz). For sound waves, the wavelength is determined by 335/Hz. See optical bands.




Length of a Wave
The wavelength is the distance between crests. The higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength.



 Cellular/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Cordless Phones

  Frequency        Wavelength
  Band                     Inches
           Millimeters  (approximate)

   600 MHz     500         20"

   1.8 GHz     167         6 1/2"

   2.4 GHz     125         5"
   5   GHz      60         2 1/2"

  High 5G Bands
  24   GHz      12.5       1/2"
  27.5 GHz      11         7/16"
  37   GHz       8         5/16"
  47   GHz       6.3       1/4"
  64   GHz       4.7       3/16"
  71   GHz       4.2       1/8"





Visible Light in Nanometers
The wavelengths of light visible by humans is approximately from 400 to 750 nm.