Wave Calculations and Graphs

What is a wave?

A transfer of energy from one place to another without the transfer of matter

What is an oscillation?

A repeated back-and-forth movement about a fixed position

What is amplitude?

Maximum displacement from the equilibrium position

What is wavelength?

Distance between two identical points on consecutive waves (crest to crest or compression to compression)

What is frequency?

Number of waves passing a point per second (Hz)

What is wave speed?

Speed at which energy is transferred by a wave

What is the wave equation?

v = fλ

What is the unit of wave speed?

Metres per second (m/s)

What is the unit of frequency?

Hertz (Hz)

What is the unit of wavelength?

Metres (m)

What does equilibrium position mean?

The rest position of particles when no wave is present

Do waves transfer matter?

No, they transfer energy only

What is a complete wave cycle?

One full oscillation of a wave

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

They are inversely proportional when wave speed is constant

What happens to wavelength when frequency increases (same medium)?

Wavelength decreases

What happens to frequency when wavelength increases (same medium)?

Frequency decreases

What is wave energy transfer?

Energy is passed through vibrations without particles moving overall