describing wave motion

what are 4 terms used to describe wave motion?

• Amplitude

• Wavelength

• Frequency

• Period

define amplitude

The distance from the undisturbed position to the peak or trough of a wave

what is the symbol for amplitude and what is it measured in?

It is given the symbol A and is measured in metres (m)

what is amplitude?

Amplitude is the maximum or minimum displacementfrom the undisturbed position

define wavelength

• The distance from one point on the wave to the same point on the next wave.

how can wavelength be measured in a transverse wave?

• In a transverse wave:

  • The wavelength can be measured from one peak to the next peak

how can wavelength be measured in a longitudinal wave?

• In a longitudinal wave

  • The wavelength can be measured from the centre of one compression to the centre of the next

what is the symbol for wavelength and what is it measured in?

The wavelength is given the symbol λ (lambda) and is measured in metres (m)

how is the distance along a wave typically shown?

The distance along a wave is typically put on the x-axis of a wave diagram

define frequency

The number of waves passing a point in a second

what is the symbol for frequency and what is it measured in?

Frequency is given the symbol f and is measured in Hertz (Hz)

define time period (2 ways)

• The time period of a wave is defined as:
  The time taken for a single wave to pass a point 

This can also be stated as
The time taken for one full cycle of a wave

what is the symbol for time period and what is it measured in?

The time period is given the symbol T and is measured in seconds (s)

what is the equation to calculate frequency?

frequency (f) = 1/time period (T)