Wave Properties
Amplitude, wavelength, frequency & speed.
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy without transferring matter. Every wave can be described by a small set of properties that tell us how it looks and behaves.
What makes a wave a wave?
Waves carry energy from one place to another. Particles of the medium vibrate around fixed positions — they do not travel with the wave.
Key properties
Amplitude (A) is how far particles move from rest. Wavelength (λ) is the distance between two matching points. Frequency (f) is how many waves pass per second, measured in hertz (Hz). Period (T) is the time for one full wave.
Wave speed
Speed depends on the medium. For all waves: v = f × λ. Doubling the frequency in the same medium halves the wavelength.
Key Formulas
Real-life applications
- Tuning radios to specific frequencies
- Ocean swell forecasting
- Musical instrument design
Summary
- Waves transfer energy, not matter.
- Amplitude → loudness/brightness. Frequency → pitch/colour.
- v = f · λ for every wave.
Check Yourself
Q1.A wave has frequency 4 Hz and wavelength 0.5 m. What is its speed?
Q2.What does amplitude measure?