Waves
Science: KS3, topic 3.3.1
Waves
A wave is a vibration that transfers energy. You will need to be able to label a diagram of a wave.
Waves
- Waves are oscillations or vibrations.
- All waves transfer energy.
- The matter a wave passes through does not move from its position.
Oscilloscope display
- You can see information about a wave on an oscilloscope.
- The oscilloscope displays the information on a screen.
Describing waves
- Wavelength
- Wavelength is the distance from a point to the same point on the next wave.
- Peak or crest
- A peak or crest is the top of a wave.
Trough and amplitude
- Trough
- A trough is the bottom of a wave.
- Amplitude
- Amplitude is the distance from the middle to the crest or trough of the wave.
Wave frequency
- Frequency
- Frequency is the number of waves that travel past a single point every second.
- Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).
Test yourself on Waves
What do waves transfer?