Waves: Intro

Introduction to wave properties with sound and water waves

A wave carries energy through a medium without permanently moving the medium itself. Key properties: frequency f (cycles per second), wavelength λ (distance per cycle), amplitude (height), and speed v = fλ. Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to travel (water waves, light); longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to travel (sound). The wave equation v = fλ means higher frequency gives shorter wavelength at constant speed.