MYP Physics Wave Equation Notes

How Do Wave Quantities Describe Both The Shape And Timing Of Oscillations?

To model a wave, we describe both its spatial pattern (what it looks like along a line) and its time behavior (how fast it oscillates).

1. Equilibrium Position and Displacement

1. The equilibrium position is the undisturbed position of the medium (for example, the flat surface of still water).
2. The wave causes a displacement from equilibrium.

2. Wave Speed (v)

1. Wave speed describes how fast a wave travels through a medium.
2. It tells us how much distance the wave covers in one second.
3. Wave speed depends on:
   1. The medium the wave is travelling through
   2. The properties of the medium, such as tension or depth (depending on the wave)
4. It is measures in Metres per second (m s⁻¹)

3. Frequency (f)

1. Frequency describes how often a wave repeats.
2. It counts how many complete waves pass a fixed point every second.
3. A higher frequency means the wave oscillates more rapidly.
4. It is measured in Hertz (Hz), where 1 Hz = 1 wave per second