Wave velocity

Definition

Wave velocity is the speed at which a wave propagates through a medium. It is determined by both the type of wave and the properties of the medium.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wave velocity ($v$) is calculated using the formula $v = f \lambda$, where $f$ is the frequency and $\lambda$ is the wavelength.
2. In different media, wave velocity can change; for example, sound waves travel faster in water than in air.
3. For electromagnetic waves in a vacuum, the wave velocity equals the speed of light, approximately $3 \times 10^8$ m/s.
4. The velocity of a transverse wave on a string depends on the tension and linear mass density of the string.
5. The phase velocity differs from group velocity in dispersive media, where different frequencies travel at different speeds.

Review Questions

• What is the formula for calculating wave velocity?
• How does wave velocity change when a sound wave moves from air to water?
• What factors influence the velocity of a transverse wave on a string?

Related terms

Frequency:

The number of oscillations or cycles per unit time, measured in hertz (Hz).

Wavelength:

The distance between two consecutive points that are in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

Amplitude:

The maximum displacement from equilibrium position in an oscillating system.