Wave Properties Amplitude Wavelength Frequency Speed Amplitude The

Wave Properties • • Amplitude Wavelength Frequency Speed

Amplitude • The maximum distance that the particles of a wave’s medium vibrate from their rest position (the rest position is the point where the particles of a medium stay when there are no disturbances. • More energy transferred = Larger amplitude

Wavelength • The distance between any two crests or compressions next to each other in a wave OR the distance between any two troughs or rarefactions next to each other • More energy = shorter wavelength

Frequency • The number of waves produced in a given amount of time – expressed in hertz (Hz) • For waves: 1 Hz = 1 wave per second • If 2 waves have an equal amplitude – high-frequency waves carry more energy than low-frequency waves.

Wave Speed • The speed at which a wave travels • Speed (v) Can be calculated using wavelength (λ – greek lambda) and frequency (f) • Wave equation V=λxf

Relationship between wave properties • If a wave is traveling at a certain speed and you double it’s frequency, it’s wavelength will be cut in half. • If you cut a waves frequency in half, the wavelength will double. • Means wavelength and frequency are inversely related.

Speed Formula - Waves

To find wave speed • Formula V=λxf Speed (velocity) = Wavelength x frequency Sample Problem 1: Find the speed of a wave with a wavelength of 3 m and a frequency of 10 Hz V = 3 m x 10 Hz V = 30 m/s

To find wavelength • Formula λ= v f Sample Problem: Find the wavelength of a wave that is traveling at 100 m/s with a frequency of 3 Hz. λ= 100 m/s 3 Hz λ= 33. 33 m

To find frequency • Formula f= v λ Find the frequency of a wave that is traveling at 345 m/s with a wavelength of. 25 m f = 345 m/s. 25 m f= 1380 Hz