Properties of Waves

© Kesler Science, LLC

Properties of Waves
Properties (cont.)

Speed

•How far the wave travels in
a unit of time, or distance
divided by time

•The speed, wavelength, and
frequency of a wave are
related to each other by
mathematical formulas.

•Unit for speed is meters per
second, or m/s

Speed = Wavelength x Frequency

or

Frequency = Speed / Wavelength

or

Wavelength = Speed/ Frequency S

W

F

© Kesler Science, LLC

Properties of Waves

A wave on a lake has a wavelength of 0.5 m and a frequency of 2 Hz
(2 Hz = 2 per second, or 2/s).

To find the speed of the wave, use this formula:

Speed = Wavelength x Frequency

Speed = 0.5 m x 2 Hz

= 0.5 m x 2/s

= 1 m/s

Speed Problem

Think About It

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Explain why foam is a good material choice for
exercise, yoga, stunt, and gymnastics mats.

Multiple Choice

To find the speed of a wave I need what 2 pieces of information?

• wavelength and frequency

• amplitude and frequency

• amplitude and wavelength

• crest and trough