Calculate the wavelength of a radio wave whose frequency is 252 kHz - Leaving Cert Physics - Question d - 2009

To find the wavelength ( ( \lambda \) ), we can use the equation:

$c = f \\\lambda$

Where:

• ( c ) = speed of light = $3.0 \times 10^8$ m/s
• ( f ) = frequency = 252 kHz = $252 \times 10^3$ Hz

Rearranging for ( \lambda ) gives:

$\\lambda = \frac{c}{f}$

Substituting in the known values:

$\\lambda = \frac{3.0 \times 10^8 \, ext{m/s}}{252 \times 10^3 \, ext{Hz}}$

Now we calculate:

$\\lambda \approx \frac{3.0 \times 10^8}{252 \times 10^3} \approx 1189 \text{ m}$

Therefore, the wavelength of the radio wave is approximately 1189 meters.