​What is a wave?

​A wave is a disturbance that carries energy from place to place. 

A wave does NOT carry matter with it! It just moves the matter as it goes through it.

Transverse waves

The direction of the vibration is perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Parts of a transverse wave:

Crest: the highest point of a transverse wave.

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Trough: the lowest point of a transverse wave.

Parts of a transverse wave:

Wavelength: the distant between two crests or two troughs.

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Amplitude: the distance between the middle horizontal line and the highest point or between the middle line and the lowest point.

​Other characteristics

​Period (T): The time required for one wavelength.

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Frequency (f): The number of cycles in a given amount of time (usually 1 second). Measured in Hertz (Hz).

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HIGHER FREQUENCY = HIGHER ENERGY

​Types of waves

​There are two types of waves:

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​Mechanical waves: require a medium (matter) to travel.

​Types of wave

Electromagnetic (EM) waves: Do NOT require a medium to travel.​