What is a wave?
Key point
- A wave is a disturbance traveling in a medium
A wave is a disturbance in a medium.
- The direction of propagation is also the direction of energy and momentum transfer
- The wavelength ( λ) represents the length of a complete oscillation
- A crest is the highest point of a wave
- A trough is the lowest point of a wave
- The period (T) of a wave is the time it takes to complete one complete oscillation
- The number of oscillations per second is called frequency (f)
When you jerk the string of balls up and down, the string of balls will experience a pulse. Following pulse will travel down the string of balls due to the tension in the string of balls.
When the jerking is continuous, then a wave is established.
Formula Booklet
- T = period (Unit = seconds (s))
- f = frequency (Unit = Hertz (Hz))
- The speed of a wave depends solely on the properties of the medium
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