Transverse Wave

The diagram on the right shows a wave travelling to the right and its main features.

Definitions of Wave Characteristics

• It is a transverse wave as the vibrations of the wave are at right angles to its direction.

• The amplitude A of the wave is the maximum displacement from the central axis. Its SI unit is metres (m). The larger the amplitude the more energy the wave has.

• The wavelength λ (lambda) of the wave is the distance between consecutive crests (or troughs). Its SI unit is metres (m).

• The period T of the wave is the time taken for the two wave to travel one wavelength. Its SI unit is seconds (s).

• The frequency f of the wave is the number of wavelengths that pass by every second. Its SI unit is cycles per second or hertz (Hz). The higher the frequency the more energy the wave has.

Wave Formula

A wave travels at a constant velocity v in a particular medium, given by