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Wave Terminology

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_a

Wave Technical Terms

_b

Sine Wave

This image shows a sine wave.
It has a smooth regular shape.
It is special because this signal contains a single frequency.
Other wave shapes contain multiple frequencies.

_c

Cycle

One complete wave including one peak and one trough.

_d

Wavelength

The distance between one peak and the next. Any point on the wave could be used but peaks are convenient.

_e

Frequency

The number of cycles per second measured in Hertz (Hz).

Frequency = 1 / Period

_f

Period

The time for one complete cycle to pass measured in seconds.

Period = 1 / Frequency

_g

Peak

The highest point on the wave.

_h

Trough

The lowest point on the wave.

_i

Displacement

The distance the medium has moved from its mean position.

_j

Amplitude

This is the peak (of maximum) displacement. The size of the wave measured from the centre line usually in Volts.

_k

Polarisation

The orientation of the electric Field. (Usually Horizontal, Vertical or Circular).

_l

Calculating The Wavelength

Speed of Light = Frequency * Wavelength

C = F λ

λ = C / F

_m

Calculating The Frequency

Speed of Light = Frequency * Wavelength

C = F λ

F = C / λ

C = 3x10⁸ ms^-1

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