Progressive waves

Need to know

What you need to know

• **Amplitude (A)**: The maximum displacement of an oscillating particle from its equilibrium (rest) position. Measured in meters (m).
• **Wavelength (λ)**: The shortest distance between two points on a wave that are in phase (e.g., from one crest to the next). Measured in meters (m).
• **Period (T)**: The time taken for one complete oscillation of a particle in the medium. Measured in seconds (s).
• **Frequency (f)**: The number of complete oscillations per unit time. Measured in Hertz (Hz), where 1 Hz = 1 oscillation per second. It is the reciprocal of the period: $f = 1/T$.
• **Wave Speed (v)**: The speed at which energy is transferred by the wave. It is related to frequency and wavelength by the fundamental wave equation.

Explanation

Progressive waves

1. **Amplitude (A)**: The maximum displacement of an oscillating particle from its equilibrium (rest) position. Measured in meters (m).
2. **Wavelength (λ)**: The shortest distance between two points on a wave that are in phase (e.g., from one crest to the next). Measured in meters (m).
3. **Period (T)**: The time taken for one complete oscillation of a particle in the medium. Measured in seconds (s).
4. **Frequency (f)**: The number of complete oscillations per unit time. Measured in Hertz (Hz), where 1 Hz = 1 oscillation per second. It is the reciprocal of the period: $f = 1/T$.