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Wave Functions & Equations of Waves definitions

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  • Wave Function
    A mathematical description of a wave using oscillating functions like sine or cosine.
  • Amplitude
    The maximum displacement from the rest position in a wave.
  • Wave Number
    A measure of spatial frequency of a wave, calculated as 2π divided by the wavelength.
  • Angular Frequency
    The rate of change of the phase of a sinusoidal waveform, 2π times the linear frequency.
  • Phase Angle
    Determines the initial displacement of a wave, affecting its sine or cosine representation.
  • Propagation Velocity
    The speed at which a wave travels through a medium.
  • Transverse Velocity
    The speed at which the medium moves perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
  • Transverse Acceleration
    The rate of change of transverse velocity in a wave.
  • Longitudinal Wave
    A wave in which the oscillation occurs in the direction of propagation.
  • Sine Wave
    A wave that begins with no displacement, described by a sine function.
  • Cosine Wave
    A wave that begins with maximum displacement, described by a cosine function.
  • Wavelength
    The distance between successive crests of a wave.
  • Period
    The time taken for one complete cycle of a wave to pass a given point.
  • Frequency
    The number of complete wave cycles passing a point per unit time.
  • Medium
    The substance through which a wave travels, affecting its speed.