Waves are fundamental phenomena that transfer energy from one point to another without the physical transfer of matter. They can be described by several key properties:
1. **Wavelength (\(\lambda\))**:
- The distance between consecutive points of similar phase in a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.
2. **Frequency (\(f\))**:
- The number of wave cycles that pass a point per unit time, usually measured in Hertz (Hz).
3. **Amplitude (\(A\))**:
- The maximum displacement of a point on the wave from its equilibrium position. It represents the wave's energy.
4. **Period (\(T\))**:
- The inverse of frequency. It represents the time taken for one complete cycle of the wave to pass a point.
5. **Wave Speed (\(v\))**:
- The speed at which the wave propagates through a medium. It is given by the product of wavelength and frequency (\(v = f\lambda\)).
6. **Phase**:
- The position of a point in time on a waveform cycle.
**Diagram of a Wave**:
Below is a well-labelled diagram of a sinusoidal wave, which can represent many types of periodic oscillations.
```
Amplitude (A)
│
│ λ
│<————————>
│
│ _______ _______
│ / \ / \
│ / \ / \
A │ / \ / \
__ │ / \ / \ __
( │ / \___________/ \ (
__ │ / (⬚) (⬚) \ __
)A │ / (Period T) )
─┼──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── x (distance)
│
-│
-A │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── t (time)
CREST TROUGH
```
**Explanation of the Diagram**:
1. **Crest**:
- The highest point of the wave above the equilibrium line.
2. **Trough**:
- The lowest point of the wave below the equilibrium line.
3. **Amplitude (\(A\))**:
- The vertical distance from the equilibrium line to the crest or the trough.
4. **Wavelength (\(\lambda\))**:
- The horizontal distance between successive crests (or troughs).
5. **Equilibrium Line**:
- Represents the undisturbed position or rest position of the medium through which the wave is traveling.
In summary, a wave is characterized by its wavelength, frequency, amplitude, period, speed, and phase. These properties define the behavior and dynamics of wave motion in various physical contexts.
Explain the properties of wave with a well labelled diagram
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