Waves

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Waves

Quantity Definition Formula Unit

Amplitude highest displacement from rest - m or cm

Wavelength, l length of one wave; measured from crest to crest - m or cm

Period, T time taken for one wave - second (s)

Frequency, f number of waves (cycles) in one second fT = 1 Herz (Hz)

Speed of wave, v distance travelled in one second by the wave v = f x l m/s

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Type of Wave Definition

Transverse vibration of particles is perpendicular to the direction of wave motion

Longitudinal vibration of particles is parallel to the direction of wave motion

See animation.

Electromagnetic Wave Spectrum

Radio Waves Microwaves Infrared R O Y G B I V
Visible Light Ultraviolet X Rays Gamma

all waves travel at the same speed of 3x10⁸ m/s in vacuum.

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L o n g e s t Wavelength Shortest

Lowest Frequency H I G H E S T

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Quantity	Definition	Formula	Unit
Amplitude	highest displacement from rest	-	m or cm
Wavelength, l	length of one wave; measured from crest to crest	-	m or cm
Period, T	time taken for one wave	-	second (s)
Frequency, f	number of waves (cycles) in one second	fT = 1	Herz (Hz)
Speed of wave, v	distance travelled in one second by the wave	v = f x l	m/s

Type of Wave	Definition
Transverse	vibration of particles is perpendicular to the direction of wave motion
Longitudinal	vibration of particles is parallel to the direction of wave motion