A periodic wave travels one wavelength during each period.
Difficulty
Beginner
Read time
5 min
Prerequisites
Basic algebra, consistent units, and the stated model assumptions
Source
OpenStax, College Physics 2e, §16.9 (Paul Peter Urone and Roger Hinrichs)OpenFormulaGraph equation reference; FormuLab adaptation details and license are provided below.
Adapted from OpenFormulaGraph, under CC BY 4.0.
FormuLab adapted wording, notation, applicability conditions and topic placement, and expanded the numerical check into a worked example.
A periodic wave travels one wavelength during each period. Frequency times wavelength gives its phase speed in the stated medium.
| Symbol | Meaning | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Wave propagation speed | ||
| Frequency | ||
| Wavelength |
Relate wavelength and frequency to phase speed.
Compare propagation using a measured wavelength.
A periodic wave has frequency 2 Hz and wavelength 3 m. Find its phase speed.
OpenFormulaGraph equation reference; FormuLab adaptation details and license are provided below.
Adapted from OpenFormulaGraph, under CC BY 4.0.
FormuLab adapted wording, notation, applicability conditions and topic placement, and expanded the numerical check into a worked example.
Assumptions
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