01 Key Concepts
What is a Wave?
A disturbance that transfers energy through a medium (or through space) without the medium itself moving along with the wave.
Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves
In a transverse wave, particles vibrate perpendicular to the wave's direction of travel (like light or a wave on a string). In a longitudinal wave, particles vibrate parallel to the direction of travel (like sound).
Wavelength, Amplitude, Frequency, and Period
Wavelength (lambda) is the distance between successive identical points (like crest to crest). Amplitude is the maximum displacement from equilibrium. Frequency (f) is cycles per second. Period (T) is time per cycle, T=1/f.
The Wave Speed Equation
v = f*lambda -- wave speed equals frequency times wavelength, connecting how fast a wave travels to its frequency and spatial spacing.
Mechanical vs. Electromagnetic Waves
Mechanical waves (like sound or water waves) require a medium to travel through; electromagnetic waves (like light) can travel through the vacuum of space.
02 Key Formulas
- v = f * lambda
- T = 1/f
03 Solved Examples
- Apply v = f*lambda = 5*2.
- Rearrange v=f*lambda to f=v/lambda = 340/0.5.
- Sound travels through air by compressing and expanding air molecules in the same direction the wave moves.
04 Practice Questions
📄 Wave Motion — Downloadable Worksheet
10 questions with a full answer key. Grab the PDF to print, or try the interactive version in your browser.