LET’S TRY ONE
Wave speed = frequency × wavelength. A wave has frequency 3 Hz and wavelength 2 m. What is its speed?
6 m/s
3 cycles/s × 2 m/cycle = 6 m/s.
Learning steps & teaching tips
Use stated wave speed, frequency, wavelength and amplitude definitions to interpret simple measurements.
- Identify the quantity requested and its unit.
- Use the stated wave relationship to calculate an unknown.
- Distinguish displacement size from cycles per second.
Try it together
Draw two waves with the same spacing but different heights. Label wavelength and amplitude, then calculate a third wave using supplied speed and frequency.
Use speed = frequency × wavelength, and keep amplitude separate from frequency.