Physics Ontology

One map of physics, three ways in. Drill down on any quantity to see its units, the equations it lives in, and how its values span the universe.

QuantitiesAreas & EquationsTimeline
← Back to all quantities
λ\lambda
Waves

Wavelength

Spatial period of a wave.

SI unit

metre (m)

Dimension: [ L ][\,L\,]

Other units

  • metre (m)
  • nanometre (nm)×1.00e-9

Order of magnitude

How values of wavelength span the physical world (in m, log scale).

Gamma rays
10-12 m
Visible light
5.00 × 10-7 m
FM radio
3.00 × 100 m
Lower limit10-15 mUpper limit104 m

Appears in 4 equations

Wave Speed Relation
v=fλv = f \lambda
de Broglie Wavelength
λ=hp\lambda = \dfrac{h}{p}
Wien's Displacement Law
λmax⁡T=b\lambda_{\max} T = b
Diffraction Grating
nλ=dsin⁡θn\lambda = d\sin\theta

Associated scientists

Louis de BroglieThomas YoungWilhelm Wien