Wave Properties: Amplitude, Wavelength, and Frequency in A-Level Science
What Are Waves?
Waves are disturbances that transfer energy through a medium or space, without transporting matter.
Key Wave Properties
Amplitude (AAA)
Amplitude is the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position, representing the energy of the wave.
Wavelength (λ\lambdaλ)
Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points in phase (e.g., crest to crest).
Frequency (fff)
Frequency is the number of wave cycles per second, measured in Hertz (HzHzHz):
f=1Tf = \frac{1}{T}f=T1
Where TTT is the time period (sss).
Wave Speed (vvv)
Wave speed relates wavelength and frequency:
v=fλv = f\lambdav=fλ
Types of Waves
Transverse Waves
Particles move perpendicular to the wave direction (e.g., light waves).
Longitudinal Waves
Particles move parallel to the wave direction (e.g., sound waves).
Applications of Wave Properties
Sound Engineering
Understanding amplitude and frequency helps design audio systems.
Optics
Wavelength and frequency determine the color and energy of light.
Telecommunications
Frequency modulation is used in radio and TV broadcasting.
Example Problem
A wave has a frequency of 50 Hz50 \, \text{Hz}50Hz and a wavelength of 2 m2 \, \text{m}2m. Find the wave speed.
- Formula:
v=fλv = f\lambdav=fλ
- Substitute Values:
v=50⋅2=100 m/sv = 50 \cdot 2 = 100 \, \text{m/s}v=50⋅2=100m/s
Common Mistakes in Wave Calculations
- Mixing up frequency and wavelength units.
- Forgetting to convert time periods into frequency.
- Misinterpreting the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength.
Practice Questions
- A wave has a wavelength of 5 m5 \, \text{m}5m and a speed of 20 m/s20 \, \text{m/s}20m/s. Find the frequency.
- Explain the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves.
- Describe one application of wave properties in telecommunications.