13.2 Wave Properties: Speed, Amplitude, Frequency, Period

• Variables to describe harmonic motion:

  • Amplitude—maximum displacement from the equilibrium position of an object oscillating around such equilibrium position
  • Frequency—number of events per unit of time
  • Period—time it takes to complete one oscillation
• Amplitude—distance between the resting position and the maximum displacement of the wave
• Frequency—number of waves passing by a specific point per second
• Period—time it takes for one wave cycle to complete
• In addition to amplitude, frequency, and period, their wavelength and wave velocity also characterize waves.
• The wavelength 𝜆λ is the distance between adjacent identical parts of a wave, parallel to the direction of propagation.
• The wave velocity 𝑣𝑤vw is the speed at which the disturbance moves.