Science glossary film: Wavelength

The distance between corresponding points on two successive waves, and therefore the length of a complete cycle of a wave. For visible light, wavelengths are as small as a few hundred nanometres. The wavelength of sound in air, at frequencies we can hear, ranges from a few centimetres to almost 20 metres.

For visible light, wavelengths are as small as a few hundred nanometres. The wavelength of sound in air, at frequencies we can hear, ranges from a few centimetres to almost 20 metres.