ABLEWave Properties
What is a Wave?
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter. Waves can be transverse or longitudinal.
Transverse vs Longitudinal
In transverse waves, oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer (e.g., light, water waves). In longitudinal waves, oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer (e.g., sound waves).
Wave Equation
The speed of a wave can be calculated using frequency and wavelength.
v = f × λ
Key Terms
Amplitude: maximum displacement from rest position. Wavelength (λ): distance between two consecutive identical points. Frequency (f): number of complete waves passing a point per second (Hz). Period (T): time for one complete wave (T = 1/f).
Key Points
- Waves transfer energy, not matter
- Transverse: oscillations perpendicular to direction of travel
- Longitudinal: oscillations parallel to direction of travel
- v = fλ relates wave speed, frequency, and wavelength
Exam Tips
- Know examples of each wave type for the exam
- Use v = fλ — rearrange carefully for the unknown
- Period T = 1/f — use this when given time for one oscillation