Chapter 8, Problem 1RCQ

Distinguish among amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and period.

To determine

To distinguish:

Among amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and period.

Answer to Problem 1RCQ

Solution:

Amplitude is maximum displacement of wave, wavelength is the distance between two parallel parts of wave, frequency is number of oscillations per second, and period is time taken to complete one oscillation.

Explanation of Solution

Amplitude of a wave is defined as maximum displacement from the equilibrium position of an object oscillating around such equilibrium position. Amplitude tells the amount of energy a wave is carrying.

Wavelength is the distance between adjacent identical parts of a wave, parallel to the direction of propagation. It is represented by $\lambda$. It is generally measured in $\text{nm}$.

Frequency is defined as number of waves passing by a specific point per second. It is denoted by $\nu$. It is measured in $\text{hertz}$. It is given by,

$\text{Frequency}=\frac{\text{1}}{\text{Time}\text{Period}}$

Period is defined as the times taken by a wave to complete one single oscillation. It is measured in $\text{s}$. It is given by,

$\text{Time}\text{Period}=\frac{\text{1}}{\text{Frequency}}$