The wave equation
I can describe how the frequency of a wave moving through a particular medium is related to its wavelength.
The wave equation
I can describe how the frequency of a wave moving through a particular medium is related to its wavelength.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The speed of a wave depends on the medium it is travelling through
- The speed of a wave does not depend on its frequency
- For a given wave speed, the higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength
- For a given wave speed, the longer the wavelength, the lower the frequency
- Wave speed = frequency x wavelength
Keywords
Wave equation - wave speed = frequency × wavelength (v = f x λ)
Wave speed - the speed of a wave in a particular medium (material)
Frequency - the number of waves produced each second. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz)
Wavelength - the distance between one wave crest (or trough) and the next
Lambda - (λ) the symbol used for the wavelength of a wave
Common misconception
In, v = f x λ, speed is dependent on frequency and wavelength, rather than the medium.
Focus on speed being property of a medium and equation not being as an equation with three interdependent variables.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
shake the end up and down a greater distance
shake the end up and down a smaller distance
shake the end up and down more times each second
shake the end up and down less times each second
Exit quiz
6 Questions
f in Hz
λ in m
T in s
v in m/s