Wave Parameters: Frequency, Period, Wavelength, and Speed

Understanding Wave Parameters

Waves are disturbances that transfer energy from one place to another. Understanding the parameters of waves helps us describe their behavior and properties. The key parameters include:

• Frequency ($f$): The number of complete waves that pass a point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz).
• Period ($T$): The time taken for one complete wave to pass a point, measured in seconds (s). It is the inverse of frequency: $T = \frac{1}{f}$.
• Wavelength ($\lambda$): The distance between two consecutive points in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough, measured in meters (m).
• Wave Speed ($v$): The speed at which the wave travels through a medium, calculated using the formula $v = f \lambda$.

Relationship Between Wave Parameters

The parameters of waves are interconnected. The wave speed equation $v = f \lambda$ shows how frequency, wavelength, and speed are related. Additionally, the period and frequency are inversely related as $T = \frac{1}{f}$.

Example: Calculating Wave Parameters

A wave has a speed of 15 m/s and a frequency of 3 Hz. Find its wavelength.

• Given: $v = 15$ m/s, $f = 3$ Hz
• Using $v = f \lambda$, rearrange to find $\lambda$: $\lambda = \frac{v}{f}$
• $$\lambda = \frac{15}{3} = 5 \text{ m}$$
• The wavelength is 5 meters.