Wave Anatomy

Wavelength (λ) is the distance between two consecutive points of the same phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

Wavelength (λ) = Speed of wave (v) / Frequency (f)

Frequency (f) is the number of cycles of a wave that pass a point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Frequency and wavelength are inversely related; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.

Amplitude (A) is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position, indicating the wave's energy.

A transverse wave is a wave in which the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

The crest is the highest point of a wave, representing the maximum displacement above the rest position.

The trough is the lowest point of a wave, representing the maximum displacement below the rest position.

The period (T) is the time it takes for one complete cycle of the wave to pass a given point, measured in seconds.