Wavelength λ is the distance between two successive crests or two successive troughs in a wave.
- Or the distance between two successive points which are vibrating in exactly the same way (or are in phase)
- SI base unit: m (metre)
Period T is time taken to generate one complete wave.
- Or the time taken for any given point on the wave (e.g. crest or trough) to move a distance of one wavelength
- SI base unit: s (second)
Amplitude A is the magnitude of the maximum displacement from the rest position (or equilibrium position) of the wave.
- This is given by the height of the crest or depth of the trough from the rest position.
- SI base unit: m (metre)
Speed v is the distance moved by a wave per unit time .
- SI base units: m s-1
Frequency f is the number of crests (peaks) or troughs that pass a point per second
- Or the number of complete waves generated per second
- SI unit: Hz (hertz)
Wavefront is the line joining all the crests (or all points which are in phase) on a wave. In a plane wave, the wavefronts are straight lines.
| Pronunciation Guide |
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| TROUGH
trof |
One
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