Chapter 20 Section 2

Objectives:
Identify and describe 4 wave properties

Explain how frequency and wavelength are related to

the speed of a wave
Amplitude:
Wave height

The maximum distance that the particles of a wave’s

medium vibrate from their rest position

Rest position is the point where particles of a medium

stay when there are no disturbances

Large amplitude = tall wave = more energy

Amplitude:

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/slc/general/AFD_FAQs/Wave%2520amplitude.jpg
Wavelength:
The distance between any 2 waves or compressions
next to each other in a wave

Measured the same way in a longitudinal and

transverse wave

Shorter wavelength = more energy

 Wavelength:

http://superphysics.netfirms.com/wave_m9.jpg
Frequency:
The number of waves produced in a given amount of
time

Expressed in Hertz (Hz)

1Hz = 1/sec (one Hertz = one wave per second)

Higher frequency = more energy

 Frequency:

http://www.airynothing.com/high_energy_tutorial/basics/images/waves.gif
Wave Speed:
The speed at which a wave travels

Wave speed (v) = wavelength (λ) x frequency (f)

V = λ x f

Frequency and wavelength are inversely related

Math Focus:
Page 582 in text

Wave calculations…Step 1 & 2

Now its your turn…#1 & #2