Waves Study Guide

Wave

A disturbance that transfers energy through space and matter.

Wavelength (λ)

The distance between identical points on consecutive waves.

Period (T)

The time taken for one complete wave cycle to pass a given point.

Electromagnetic Wave (EM Wave)

A wave that does not require a medium and can travel through the vacuum of space.

Mechanical Wave (M Wave)

A wave that requires a medium to travel through, such as solids, liquids, or gases.

Crest

The highest point of a wave.

Trough

The lowest point of a wave.

Amplitude (A)

The maximum distance from the rest position to the crest or trough of a wave.

Wave Speed (v)

The speed at which a wave travels through a medium.

Frequency (f)

The number of complete wave cycles that pass a point in a unit of time.

Wave Energy (E)

The energy carried by a wave, proportional to the square of the amplitude.

Rest Position (Equilibrium)

The central line around which the wave oscillates.

Medium

The substance through which a mechanical wave travels.

Transverse Wave

A wave in which particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Longitudinal Wave

A wave in which particles move parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Wave Speed Formula

The relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength is given by the formula v = fλ.

Energy and Amplitude Relationship

Energy is directly proportional to the square of the amplitude (E ∝ A²).

Speed and Frequency Relationship

Wave speed is directly proportional to frequency when wavelength is constant (v ∝ f).

Frequency and Wavelength Relationship

Frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength (f ∝ 1/λ).

Speed and Wavelength Relationship

Wave speed is directly proportional to wavelength when frequency is constant (v ∝ λ).