The Wave Equation

• The Wave Equation

  • Wave speed is defined as:The distance travelled by a wave each second
  • Wave speed is given the symbol ν and is measured in metres per second (m/s)
  • Wave speed is the speed at which energy is transferred through a medium
• • Transverse and longitudinal waves both obey the wave equation:

  
• • Where:
  • v = wave speed in metres per second (m/s)
  • f = frequency in Hertz (Hz)
  • λ = wavelength in metres (m)
• • The wave speed equation may need to be rearranged, which can be done using this formula triangle: