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When a source with a certain frequency makes waves, each crest travels a certain distance before the next crest is formed. That distance is the wavelength. As a result, wavelength is controlled by just two factors: the frequency of the source and speed of waves.
- Wave anatomy
In transverse waves, crests (high spots on the wave) and...
- Wave anatomy
The crest of a wave is the point on the medium that exhibits the maximum amount of positive or upward displacement from the rest position. Points C and J on the diagram represent the troughs of this wave.
In transverse waves, crests (high spots on the wave) and troughs (low spots) alternate. In longitudinal waves, compressions (regions of high density) and rarefactions (regions of low density) alternate.
As an example, for water waves, v w is the speed of a surface wave; for sound, v w is the speed of sound; and for visible light, v w is the speed of light. The amplitude X is completely independent of the speed of propagation v w and depends only on the amount of energy in the wave.
The amplitude and frequency of a sound wave can be examined using a microphone and oscilloscope. By measuring the speed of sound we can apply the wave equation to determine its wavelength.
Sound waves are created by the compression of a medium, usually air. Longitudinal sound waves are waves of alternating pressure deviations from the equilibrium pressure, causing local regions of compression and rarefaction. Matter in the medium is periodically displaced by a sound wave, and thus oscillates.
A wave is a repeating disturbance that travels through matter or space transferring only energy. Below is a model of a wave. A wave’s crest is its highest point, and its trough is its lowest point.
