Grade 11 · Physics
Wave Properties
Why it matters
Frequency, wavelength and the wave equation.
Core20m readingPrerequisite: None
What is the wave equation in physics?
Short answer
A wave transfers energy without transferring matter, described by its wavelength, frequency, and speed. The wave equation links them: v = fλ, where v is wave speed, f is frequency (waves per second, in hertz), and λ is wavelength (distance between crests). For a given medium the speed is fixed, so higher frequency means shorter wavelength.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between frequency and wavelength?
- Frequency is how many waves pass per second (hertz); wavelength is the distance between successive crests. They are inversely related at fixed speed.
- What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?
- In transverse waves the medium moves perpendicular to travel; in longitudinal waves it moves parallel, as in sound.