How Much in How Long

The wavelength of a wave helps determine a wave's frequency. Frequency, in this case, is defined as the number of cycles (1 cycle = 1 wavelength) of a wave that pass by a certain point in a certain amount of time (generally in cycles per second).

Wavelength

The wavelength of a wave is an extremely important and unique aspect because it helps to determine how that wave is perceived, as we will soon see. Wavelength is measured from crest to crest (or trough to trough) on a wave.

Effects of Wave Amplitude

The amplitude of a wave determines how strongly it is perceived. For light waves (trasverse), the amplitude determines the brightness of a color. For sound waves (longitudinal), amplitude determines the loudness (intensity) of the sound being heard.

 

Aspects of Waves

There are certain aspects of waves (both transverse and longitudinal) which affect the way in which they are perceived. These are wavelength, amplitude, and frequency.

Visualizing Longitudinal Waves

It may be hard to picture how a longitudinal wave actually works. A good way to understand this physics concept is to experiment with a Slinky. The way in which this toy works is very similar to the manner in which a longitudinal wave travels - some of the particles compress, only to

transfer their energy on to newly-compressing particles.

Longitudinal Waves

For longitudinal waves, the direction of energy transfer is the same as the movement of the particles. Particles in such a wave hit one another (compress) in order to transfer energy on to the next particles.

Transverse Waves

The transverse wave, which is responsible for the movement of light, looks like this diagram. The molecles in such a wave oscillate up and down, but the overall motion of the transfer of energy is perpendicular to this motion (to the right in this diagram).