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Wavelength of a Wave
Wave length is the distance between two consecutive points in phase. This is the distance between two
successive particles which are at exactly the same point in their paths at the same time and are moving in the same direction.
The wave equation may be, used to calculate the speed of any wave.
v = f l
The speed of a wave may also be calculated using:-
Speed = distance
time
The speed of water waves are affected by the depth of the water, but the frequency change once the wave has been propagated. The speed of a wave is constant in medium.
The unit for speed is m.s-1
When, at a given instant, the displacement of the particles of a medium through, which a wave is moving are represented graphically, a curve, called a sine curve, is obtained.
When waves strike a barrier they are reflected in such a way the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence.
When waves pass from one medium to another they are refracted at the boundary separating the two media. The waves change direction due to a change in their speed.
When waves pass through a narrow opening they are diffracted. The waves bend at the edges of the opening.
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