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Waves

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Revision Method

Wave Properties

Revision Notes

Key Points

  • Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a wave from its resting position
  • Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs of a wave
  • Frequency is the number of waves that pass a given point per unit of time
  • Period is the time taken for one complete wave cycle to pass a given point
  • Wave speed is the distance traveled by a wave per unit of time

Amplitude

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a wave from its resting position.

Wavelength

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs of a wave.

Frequency

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a given point per unit of time. It is measured in Hertz (Hz).

Period

Period is the time taken for one complete wave cycle to pass a given point. It is the inverse of frequency.

Speed

Wave speed is the distance traveled by a wave per unit of time. It is calculated as the product of wavelength and frequency.