Waves

Flashcards covering the characteristics, types, and properties of waves.

Wave

A disturbance that propagates, or moves from the place it was created.

Period $(T)$

The time $T$ for one complete up-and-down motion of a wave.

Frequency $(f)$

The number of wave cycles per unit of time $(f = 1/T)$.

Wave Velocity $(v)$

The speed at which the disturbance of a wave moves; also called propagation velocity or propagation speed.

Wavelength $(\lambda)$

The distance between adjacent identical parts of a wave.

Transverse Wave

A wave in which the disturbance is perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

Longitudinal Wave

A wave in which the disturbance is parallel to the direction of propagation.

Amplitude $(X)$

The size of the disturbance in a wave.