In the simulation below, there are four animations, called Wave 1, Wave 2, Wave 3, and Wave 4, each showing a different wave. We are going to measure both wavelength and frequency for the four waves.

For this activity, make a table, like the one below, in a spreadsheet or on a separate piece of paper. This is where you will record observations and measurements.

Click the link for each wave (links are below the animation) and compare what you see. Write your observation in the table.

You probably noticed that the first animation shows the longest (or largest) wavelength, and the fourth animation shows the shortest (or smallest) wavelength.

Measure and record the wavelength of each wave. Let's assume that units are meters.

Now, measure the frequency in Hz (hertz) of each wave. Check the answers by clicking the buttons below.

Record your results for the frequency of the four waves in your data table.

Now this is the fun part! Examine your measurements for wavelength and frequency. As you look at the numbers for the wavelength from wave 1 to wave 4, you will notice that the wavelength is smaller from wave 1 to wave 4. But as the wavelength gets smaller, what happens to the frequency?

There's something else that you might notice in the data. What is the product of wavelength x frequency for each wave? (Add a new column and compute this value for each wave.)

You've just discovered the equation: wavelength x frequency = speed of light. COOL!