Amplitude
* Definition: Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a point on a wave from its equilibrium position. Think of it as the "height" of the wave.
* Formula: There's no single formula for amplitude. It's typically measured directly from a graph or observation of the wave. Look for the greatest distance from the wave's equilibrium position to its crest (highest point) or trough (lowest point).
Wave Speed
* Definition: Wave speed is how quickly a wave travels through a medium.
* Formula: The speed of a wave (v) is related to its wavelength (λ) and frequency (f) by the following formula:
v = λf
* v: Wave speed (usually measured in meters per second, m/s)
* λ: Wavelength (the distance between two successive crests or troughs, measured in meters, m)
* f: Frequency (the number of waves passing a point per second, measured in Hertz, Hz)
Example
Let's say you have a wave with a wavelength of 2 meters and a frequency of 10 Hz. To find the wave speed:
* v = λf
* v = (2 m)(10 Hz)
* v = 20 m/s
Important Note: The above formulas apply to *transverse waves* (like light waves or waves on a string) and *longitudinal waves* (like sound waves). However, the specific way to measure amplitude and wavelength might differ slightly between these types.
