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Physics Lesson 11.1.2 - Elements of a Wave
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Welcome to our Physics lesson on Elements of a Wave, this is the second lesson of our suite of physics lessons covering the topic of Types of Waves. The Simplified Equation of Waves, you can find links to the other lessons within this tutorial and access additional physics learning resources below this lesson.
Elements of a Wave
Consider the wave shown below.
The equilibrium position shows a horizontal line that shows the rope, water surface, etc., if no wave were present. When the wave is shown in a coordinate system, the equilibrium position is at the horizontal axis.
The highest point of a wave is known as "crest". In the above figure, crest is shown by the point a.
The opposite of crest is known as "trough". It is shown by the point b in the above figure. Trough represents the lowest point a wave can reach.
Waves represent a periodical motion. This means the cycle repeats itself periodically. The distance between two similar points of two successive cycles is known as "wavelength". It is denoted by the Greek letter λ (lambda). Wavelength is similar to the circumference in rotational motion, i.e. it shows the distance the wave travels during an entire cycle.
Like in rotational and simple harmonic motion, the time needed to complete one cycle is called "period", T. Also, the inverse of period is known as frequency, f as well. Frequency represents the number of cycles in one second. It is very important, especially when the vibrations are very fast.
You have reached the end of Physics lesson 11.1.2 Elements of a Wave. There are 4 lessons in this physics tutorial covering Types of Waves. The Simplified Equation of Waves, you can access all the lessons from this tutorial below.
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- Continuing learning waves - read our next physics tutorial: General Equation of Waves
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