Wave characteristics

Wave Properties

A wave is a disturbance that travels through space and matter, transferring energy from one place to another.
Wavelength (λ) is the shortest distance between points where the wave pattern repeats itself, such as from crest to crest or trough to trough.
Frequency (f) is the number of complete wave cycles per unit time, usually measured in Hertz (Hz), where 1 Hz is 1 cycle per second.
The period (T) is the time required for one full wave cycle, and is the reciprocal of frequency, i.e., T = 1/f.
The amplitude of a wave is the maximum displacement from its equilibrium position, indicating the wave’s energy.

Mechanical waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through. Examples: sound waves and seismic waves.
Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium and can travel through the vacuum of space. Examples: light, radio, microwaves, and x-rays.
Transverse waves are waves in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave. The peaks and troughs represent the maximum positive and negative displacements.
Longitudinal waves are waves in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation. These waves comprise of compressions and rarefactions.

Wave speed (v) is the speed at which a wave travels. It can be calculated using the equation: v = fλ

Reflection occurs when a wave encounters a surface or boundary that does not absorb the energy of the wave and bounces back.
Refraction happens when a wave travels from one medium to another, changing its speed and direction.
Diffraction is the bending of waves around small obstacles and the spreading out of waves beyond small openings.
Interference occurs when two or more waves meet and combine to form a resultant wave. This process can produce constructive interference (resulting in a larger amplitude wave) or destructive interference (resulting in a smaller or cancelled wave).

The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves overlap, the total displacement at any point is the sum of the displacements of the individual waves.