Key Concepts: Wave Properties

What is a Wave?

• A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through a medium (or space) without transferring matter.
• Transverse waves: Oscillation perpendicular to wave direction (light, water surface waves).
• Longitudinal waves: Oscillation parallel to wave direction (sound, compression springs).

Key Properties

• Wavelength (λ): Distance between consecutive identical points (crest to crest). Unit: meters.
• Frequency (f): Number of waves passing a point per second. Unit: Hz.
• Speed (v): How fast the wave pattern moves. v = fλ.
• Amplitude (A): Maximum displacement from rest — determines energy and intensity.

The Wave Equation

• v = fλ — the fundamental relationship between speed, frequency, and wavelength.
• Wave speed depends on the medium, not on frequency or amplitude.