Transverse Waves

Properties of waves, wavelength, frequency, amplitude

What is a Wave?

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one point to another without transferring matter. In a transverse wave, the particles vibrate perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of energy transfer. Examples: light waves, water ripples, waves on a string.

Wave Properties

• Amplitude (A): the maximum displacement from the rest position (measured in metres) • Wavelength (λ): the distance between two successive identical points (crest to crest or trough to trough) • Frequency (f): the number of complete waves per second (measured in hertz, Hz) • Period (T): the time for one complete wave (T = 1/f) • Wave speed: v = fλ

Example

Worked Example

A wave has a frequency of 5 Hz and a wavelength of 2 m. Wave speed: v = fλ = 5 × 2 = 10 m·s⁻¹ Period: T = 1/f = 1/5 = 0.2 s If the amplitude is increased, the wave carries more energy but the speed does not change (speed depends on the medium).

Note

Remember

The crest is the highest point; the trough is the lowest point. The rest position is the horizontal line through the middle. When drawing wave diagrams, label the amplitude, wavelength, crest and trough clearly.

Key Vocabulary

Transverse waveA wave where particles vibrate perpendicular to energy transfer

AmplitudeThe maximum displacement from the rest position

WavelengthThe distance between two successive identical points on a wave

FrequencyThe number of complete waves passing a point per second

PeriodThe time taken for one complete wave cycle

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Transverse wave

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