Wave Properties and Velocity Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core wave parameters including amplitude, frequency, period, wavelength, and wave speed based on the lecture transcript.

Amplitude ($A$)

The maximum displacement of the particles of a wave measured in metres from its mean or equilibrium position.

Frequency ($F$)

The number of cycles or oscillations which the wave completes in one second, measured in Hertz ($\text{Hz}$) or $\text{s}^{-1}$. Calculated as $\frac{\text{number of cycles}}{\text{time taken}}$.

Period ($T$)

The time taken by the particles of a wave to perform one complete cycle or oscillation, measured in seconds. Calculated as $\frac{\text{time taken}}{\text{number of cycles}}$ or $T = \frac{1}{F}$.

Wavelength ($\lambda$)

The distance between two successive troughs or two successive crests, or the distance covered by a wave when it completes one cycle, vibration, or oscillation, measured in metres.

Wave Speed or Velocity ($v$)

The speed at which a wave travels, expressed by the formulas $v = \frac{\lambda}{T}$ or $v = \lambda F$.