Wave and Wave Properties

The CREST (or PEAK) is the high point on a wave.

The TROUGH is a low point on the wave.

The amplitude measures the height of a wave.

Amplitude can be measured from the midline to the crest OR the midline to the trough.

Changing the AMPLITUDE would change the VOLUME in a SOUND WAVE.

The HIGHER the AMPLITUDE, the HIGHER the VOLUME.

The LOWER the AMPLITUDE, the LOWER the VOLUME.

The loudness of a sound is measured in decibels (dB).​

Changing the AMPLITUDE would change the BRIGHTNESS in a LIGHT WAVE.

The HIGHER the AMPLITUDE, the BRIGHTER the LIGHT.

The LOWER the AMPLITUDE, the DIMMER the LIGHT.

Wavelength is the measurement of the length of a wave. Measured from CREST to CREST or TROUGH to TROUGH.

Frequency is the number of waves that pass a given point in a certain amount of time. It relates to the SPEED of a wave.

Changing the WAVELENGTH of a SOUND wave also changes the pitch & frequency.

Waves with a SHORT wavelength have a HIGH pitch or HIGH frequency (they move quickly.)

Waves with a LONG wavelength have a LOW pitch or LOW frequency (they move slowly.)

Changing the WAVELENGTH of a LIGHT wave also changes the COLOR.

LIGHT waves with the SHORTEST wavelength appear as a VIOLET color.

LIGHT waves with the LONGEST wavelength appear as as RED color.