A wavefront is a line (or surface in 3‑D) that connects points on a wave that are in the same phase. Think of it as the “front” of a ripple when you drop a stone in a pond. All points on the wavefront rise or fall together, like a marching band moving in sync. 🌊
The wavelength is the distance between two successive crests (or troughs). It’s the “size” of one complete wave cycle. If you imagine a string vibrating, λ is the length of one full bump. 📏
Frequency is the number of wave crests that pass a fixed point per second. It’s measured in hertz (Hz). If you tap a drum at a steady rhythm, the faster you tap, the higher the frequency. 🎵
Amplitude is the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position. It tells us how “strong” or “intense” the wave is. A bigger amplitude means a louder sound or a higher light intensity. 🎈
Wave speed is how fast a wave travels through a medium. The basic relationship is:
\$v = \lambda f\$
So if you know the wavelength and the frequency, you can find the speed, and vice‑versa. Think of it like a runner’s speed: distance divided by time. 🏃♂️
| Property | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Wavefront | Line of equal phase | Ripples from a stone drop |
| Wavelength (λ) | Distance between two crests | ≈0.5 m for a guitar string |
| Frequency (f) | Crests per second | 440 Hz (A note) |
| Amplitude (A) | Maximum displacement | 1 cm for a gentle wave |
| Wave Speed (v) | Distance per unit time | ≈340 m/s for sound in air |