Describing Wave Motion Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

Define the frequency of a wave, and give its unit.

The number of complete waves passing a point per second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Define the wavelength of a wave, and give its unit.

The distance from one point on a wave to the same point on the next wave (e.g. crest to next crest), measured in metres (m).

Define the amplitude of a wave.

The maximum distance a point on the wave moves from its undisturbed (rest) position, measured in metres.

Define the period of a wave, and give its unit.

The time taken for one complete wave to pass a point, measured in seconds (s).

True or false? The amplitude of a wave is the vertical distance from a crest to a trough.

False. That distance is twice the amplitude; amplitude is measured from the rest position to a crest (or trough).

How do you calculate the frequency of a wave from its period?

e.g. period $= 0.2$ s

1. Use $f = 1 \div T$
2. Substitute: $1 \div 0.2$
3. $f = 5$ Hz