Science
Wave properties.
Definition
The fundamental characteristics used to describe all waves, including amplitude (height), wavelength (distance between crests), frequency (number of cycles per second), and speed. These properties apply to mechanical waves like sound and electromagnetic waves like light.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 A guitar string vibrating at a higher frequency produces a higher-pitched sound
- 2 Ocean waves with longer wavelengths travel faster and carry more energy across the open sea
- 3 Radio stations broadcast at specific frequencies — 101.1 MHz means 101.1 million wave cycles per second
Key Fact
v = fλ (wave speed = frequency × wavelength). Energy is proportional to amplitude squared.