🌊 Waves Have Common Properties Even though waves can be different, all waves share four main properties: Amplitude Wavelength Frequency Speed 1. Amplitude Amplitude describes how far the medium moves from the rest position. It is the maximum distance the medium vibrates from rest. Waves with more energy have a greater amplitude. Transverse Waves Amplitude is measured from the rest position to the crest or trough. Longitudinal Waves Amplitude is shown by how compressed or spread out the particles are. Tighter compressions = larger amplitude 👉 Higher amplitude = more energy 2. Wavelength Wavelength is the distance between repeating parts of a wave. Examples Transverse wave: distance from crest to crest Longitudinal wave: distance from compression to compression 👉 Wavelength is measured in meters (m). 3. Frequency Frequency is how many waves pass a point in a certain amount of time. It is measured in hertz (Hz). 1 Hz = 1 wave per second Examples 1 wave per second = 1 Hz 2 waves per second = 2 Hz 👉 Moving the source faster increases frequency. 4. Speed Speed is how fast a wave travels. Speed depends on the medium the wave travels through. Formula for Speed Speed = Distance Time Speed= Time Distance ​ Example Sound travels about 330 m/s in air at normal temperatures. 👉 If the medium and temperature stay the same, wave speed stays the same. 🔗 How Are Frequency, Wavelength, and Speed Related? The three properties are connected by this formula: Speed = Wavelength × Frequency Speed = Wavelength × Frequency If you know two, you can find the third. When speed stays the same: Higher frequency → shorter wavelength Lower frequency → longer wavelength