Describe the physical properties of a periodic wave.

• Periodic waves have regular repetitions that can be described using period and frequency.
• The period is the time for one complete oscillation of the wave.
• The frequency is the rate at which the wave repeats. Relevant equation:
• The amplitude of a wave is independent of the period and the frequency of that wave.
• The energy of a wave increases with increasing frequency.
• The frequency of a sound wave is related to its pitch.
• Wavelength is the distance between successive corresponding positions (such as peaks or troughs) on a wave.
• A sinusoidal wave can be described by equations for the displacement from equilibrium at a specific location as a function of time. A wave can also be described by an equation for the displacement from equilibrium at a specific time as a function of position. Example equations:
• For a periodic wave, the wavelength is proportional to the wave’s speed and inversely proportional to the wave’s frequency. Relevant equation:

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