5.28. Wave Frequency http://www.ck12.org
FIGURE 5.58
FIGURE 5.59
Summary
- Wave frequency is the number of waves that pass a fixed point in a given amount of time.
- The SI unit for wave frequency is the hertz (Hz), where 1 hertz equals 1 wave passing a fixed point in 1 second.
- A higher-frequency wave has more energy than a lower-frequency wave with the same amplitude.
Vocabulary
- hertz (Hz): SI unit of wave frequency, where 1 hertz equals 1 wave passing a fixed point per second.
- wave frequency: Number of waves that pass a fixed point in a given amount of time.
Explore More
At the following URL, use the wave simulator to make waves with various amounts of energy. Measure the frequency
and wavelength of the waves, and check your measurements. Then answer the question at the bottom of the Web
page. http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/resources/explorations/light/makewaves-frames.html
Review
- What is wave frequency?
- What is the SI unit for wave frequency?
- Assume that 10 waves pass a fixed point in 5 seconds. What is the frequency of the waves in hertz?