wave speed (transverse) – the speed (velocity) at which a transverse wave is travelling

Note: Transverse think shaking rope.

The formula for calculating wave speed:

Wave speed = frequency x wave length

To remember the formula for wave speed, use the following mnemonic:

Speeding along she frequently waved with the full length of her arm (speed = frequency x wave length).

Alternatively, think logically:

If you know the wave length and frequency that a wave passes a point every second then logically the speed that the wave is moving is the wave length multiplied by the frequency. EASY!

Speed = wave length x frequency it passes

All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves. This includes the whole electromagnetic spectrum from radio waves to light waves.

All electromagnetic waves travel at the same constant speed depending on which medium they travel in. 

In a vacuum all the electromagnetic waves travel at 299,729,458 m/s which is the fastest speed it can be because it has no mass to go through.

In air all the electromagnetic waves travel at approximately 299,702,547 m/s which is slightly slower. The speed varies in air depending on the air density, temperature and pressure. 

Because of the formula speed = wave length x frequency

We can tackle questions such as: 

A motor in a ripple tank vibrates at a frequency of 2hz (meaning 2 waves per second). The distance from one peak to another is 0.5 metres (wavelength). Calculate the speed of the water wave. 

Speed = wave length x frequency

Speed = 0.5 x 2hz

Speed = 1.0 metres/second.