Transverse Wave

Transverse Waves

Velocity Frequency and Period

The particles of matter move up and down at right angles to the direction of energy transfer in a transverse wave.

The velocity of a wave measures how quickly a wave transfers energy. It is measured in cm/s or m/s and is given the symbol v.

The frequency of a wave measures how many wavelengths pass a given point each second. It is measured in numbers per second or Hertz (Hz) and has the symbol f.

The period of a waves is the time taken for one wavelength to pass a given position. It is measured in seconds and is given the symbol T.

Formulae:

These equations define the relationship between some of the properties of waves:

velocity = distance ÷ time = wavelength ÷ period
velocity = frequency x wavelength = f λ

Period = 1 ÷ frequency.

The relationship between frequency (ƒ ), wavelength (λ ) and speed (v) is represented by the formula v = ƒλ .
This wave has a frequency of 10Hz.
Use the ruler shown in the diagram to measure the wavelength and then using the formula calculate the speed of the wave.
1. 2 cm/s
2. 5 cm/s
3. 10 cm/s
4. 20 cm/s
An observer, watching the board-riders out beyond the breakers, notices that they bob up and down once every 10 seconds and estimates the distance between the crests to be 60m.
What is the velocty of the waves?
If all these waves have the same speed, which of the following waves has the highest frequency?
If all these waves have the same velocity, which wave has the lowest frequency?
Which wave has the longest wavelength?
Which wave has the shortest wavelength?
Find the velocity of a wave with a frequency of 2 Hz and a wavelength of 3 m.

Revision Waves

Revision Quiz

Transverse Wave

Transverse Waves

Velocity Frequency and Period

The particles of matter move up and down at right angles to the direction of energy transfer in a transverse wave.

Formulae: