Wave Properties

Wave

a disturbance that carries energy

Mechanical

requires a medium or substance to transmit

Transverse Wave

matter moves perpendicular to wave impulses

Electromagnetic

can pass through empty space (light waves, radio waves, etc)

Longitudinal/Compression Wave

particles vibrate in line with the wave impulses

Crest

the highest point of a wave

Trough

the lowest point of a wave

Wavelength

the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs

Wave Height

the vertical distance between the crest and the trough of a wave

Amplitude

the height of a wave from the resting point to the crest (or trough)

Frequency

the number of waves that pass a point in a given amount of time

Period

the time it takes for a wave to complete one cycle

What happens to wavelength when frequency increases?

Wavelength decreases. They are opposites.