Waves and Oscillations

Manual: General · Subject: Theoretical Physics

The basics of repeating motion, resonance, and wave behavior.

Repeating Motion

Oscillations

An oscillation is a motion that repeats around an equilibrium point. A classic example is a mass on a spring.

Waves

A wave is a disturbance that carries energy and information through space and time. Common wave quantities include wavelength $\lambda$ , frequency $f$ , and speed $v$ .

Wave relation

These quantities are related by $v = f\lambda$ . If frequency goes up while speed stays the same, wavelength goes down.

💡

Resonance

Resonance happens when a system is driven near one of its natural frequencies, causing larger oscillations.

What is the relation between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength?

v=f\lambda

v=f/\lambda

v=\lambda/f

v=f+\lambda

What is resonance?

Describing a wave

1

Identify the oscillating quantity.
2

Measure its amplitude.
3

Find the frequency or period.
4

Measure wavelength if the disturbance travels.
5

Use $v = f\lambda$ to connect them.

If frequency doubles and wave speed stays constant, what happens to wavelength?

It doubles It halves It stays the same It becomes zero

Neuroanatomy Explorer

Memory Deck

Match the Pairs

Concept Constellation