waves

Wavelength

Length between crest to crest and trough to trough in a wave.

Period

Amount of time it takes to complete one cycle of a wave.

Frequency

The amount of cycles that occur in one second.

Equilibrium

The resting position when no wave is present.

Amplitude

The height from the equilibrium position to the crest or trough.

Node

A point in a wave where there is no movement.

Antinode

A point in a wave where the movement is at its maximum.

Transverse waves

Waves that operate in two dimensions and can use a medium to transfer energy.

Longitudinal waves

Waves that operate in one dimension.

Example of a Transverse Wave

Wave pool or light wave.

Example of a Longitudinal Wave

Sound wave or a compression wave in a spring.

Mechanical Drive Demonstration

Demonstration where the amplitude controls sound volume and frequency controls pitch.

Volume Control in the Demonstration

Amplitude of the wave controls the volume of the sound heard.

Pitch Control in the Demonstration

Frequency of the mechanical drive determines the pitch of the sound.

Effect of Frequency on Nodes and Amplitude

Increasing frequency results in more nodes and antinodes but lowers amplitude due to energy distribution.

Wave

a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another