Wave — Science definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- A traveling disturbance that transfers energy. In a simple mechanical wave, particles mainly move locally rather than travel the entire distance with the disturbance. (Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy)
- A disturbance that transfers energy through space or a medium without transferring matter. (Physics & Environmental Science)
Where it is taught
- Wave Properties — Waves, Sound & Light, Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy, Grade 8
- Wave Properties — Waves, Sound & Optics, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
In use
A wave is a traveling disturbance that carries energy from one place to another without carrying matter along with it.
Wave Properties
A wave propagates a disturbance and can transfer energy through interactions.
Wave Properties
Questions using wave
Problem 1
A wave has a frequency of 3 Hz and a wavelength of 6 m. Find its speed.
Answer and explanation
18 m/s
v = f × λ = 3 × 6 = 18 m/s.
Problem 2
A wave has a period of 0.5 seconds. What is its frequency?
Answer and explanation
2 Hz
f = 1 ÷ T = 1 ÷ 0.5 = 2 Hz.
Problem 3
A wave travels at 12 m/s and has a frequency of 4 Hz. Find its wavelength.
Answer and explanation
3 m
λ = v ÷ f = 12 ÷ 4 = 3 m.
Problem 4
Which wave property is most directly related to the amount of energy a wave carries?
- wavelength
- amplitude
- period
- frequency only
Answer and explanation
amplitude
A bigger amplitude means more energy is being carried by the wave.
Taught alongside
- amplitude
- wavelength (λ)
- frequency (f)
- period (T)
- model
- evidence
- system boundary
- assumption
- transverse wave
- longitudinal wave
- interference