Wavelength, Frequency, Time Period and Amplitude | Physics

Summary

This video explains essential wave properties: amplitude, wavelength, time period, and frequency. Amplitude is the maximum displacement of particles from their equilibrium position, while wavelength represents the length of one complete wave cycle. The time period is the time taken to complete one wave cycle, and frequency is the number of oscillations that occur per second. Through clear examples and definitions, the video helps viewers understand these fundamental concepts of wave motion, laying the foundation for more advanced physics topics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of particles from their mean position, either above or below.
• 😀 The SI unit of amplitude is meters, and it can be measured by calculating the distance from the mean position to the peak or trough.
• 😀 Wavelength is the length of one full cycle of a wave, either the distance between one crest and one trough in transverse waves or one compression and one rarefaction in longitudinal waves.
• 😀 The SI unit of wavelength is meters, and it can be measured using a ruler or any other measuring device.
• 😀 The time period (T) is the time it takes for one full wave cycle or oscillation to complete.
• 😀 The SI unit of time period is seconds, and it is often denoted by 'T'.
• 😀 Frequency (f) is the number of oscillations or wave cycles completed in one second.
• 😀 The SI unit of frequency is Hertz (Hz), and frequency is the reciprocal of the time period (f = 1/T).
• 😀 For a wave that completes 3 oscillations in one second, its frequency would be 3 Hz.
• 😀 Time period and frequency are inversely related; as the time period decreases, the frequency increases and vice versa.
• 😀 Amplitude, wavelength, time period, and frequency are fundamental concepts to understand in wave motion and their behaviors in different wave types like transverse and longitudinal waves.

Q & A

What is amplitude in wave motion?

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of particles from their mean or equilibrium position, either above or below it. It is typically denoted by 'x₀' and its SI unit is meter.

How is amplitude measured in a wave?

Amplitude is measured by finding the distance from the peak (crest or compression) of the wave to the mean position. For example, if the peak is 0.005 meters above the mean position, the amplitude is 0.005 meters.

What is wavelength in the context of waves?

Wavelength is the distance between two successive crests and troughs in transverse waves or the distance between two successive compressions and rarefactions in longitudinal waves. It is denoted by the Greek letter lambda (λ), and its SI unit is meter.

How do we calculate the wavelength of a wave?

The wavelength is calculated by measuring the length of one complete wave cycle. For a transverse wave, it is the length from one crest to the next crest, while for a longitudinal wave, it is the distance from one compression to the next.

What is the definition of time period in wave motion?

The time period is the time taken by the oscillating body to complete one full wave cycle or one oscillation. It is denoted by 'T' and measured in seconds (s).

How is time period related to the oscillation of a wave?

The time period is the duration for one complete oscillation or wave cycle. For example, if a wave completes one oscillation in 2 seconds, its time period is 2 seconds.

What is frequency in wave motion?

Frequency is the number of complete wave cycles or oscillations that occur in one second. It is denoted by 'f' and is measured in hertz (Hz).

How is frequency related to time period?

Frequency is the reciprocal of the time period. This means that frequency (f) equals 1 divided by the time period (T): f = 1/T.

What is the frequency of a wave that completes 3 oscillations in one second?

The frequency of the wave is 3 hertz (Hz), as it completes 3 oscillations in one second.

Can you provide an example to explain the concept of wavelength?

In a transverse wave, if the length between one crest and the next crest is 0.01 meters, then the wavelength of the wave is 0.01 meters. Similarly, in a longitudinal wave, if the distance between one compression and the next compression is 0.002 meters, that is its wavelength.