Dimensions of wave motion and examples
- Amplitude: The maximum displacement of a wave from its rest position. For example, the height of a water wave or the loudness of a sound wave.
- Wavelength: The distance between two consecutive points in a wave that are in phase. For example, the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in a water wave or the distance between two consecutive compressions in a sound wave.
- Frequency: The number of wave cycles per second. For example, the number of waves passing a point in a given amount of time or the pitch of a sound wave.
- Speed: The rate at which a wave travels through a medium. For example, the speed of a wave on a string or the speed of a light wave.
- Period: The time it takes for one complete wave cycle to pass a point. For example, the time it takes for one full oscillation of a pendulum or the time it takes for one complete vibration of a sound wave.
- Phase: The position of a point in a wave cycle relative to a reference point. For example, the position of a peak or trough in a wave or the position of a molecule in a vibrating medium.
- Direction: The orientation in which a wave propagates through a medium. For example, the direction in which a water wave travels on the surface of a pond or the direction in which a seismic wave travels through the Earth's crust.