Wave parameters are physical quantities that describe the nature and behaviour of a wave.
Wavelength is the distance between two successive particles of the wave which are in the same phase of vibration.
Examples:
SI unit of wavelength is meter (m).
The time period of a wave is the time taken to complete one full oscillation.
SI unit of time period is second (s).
Frequency is the number of oscillations completed per second.
SI unit of frequency is hertz (Hz).
Relation between frequency and time period:
f = 1 / T
Wave velocity is the distance travelled by a wave per unit time.
Formula for wave velocity:
v = f λ
SI unit of wave velocity is m s−1.
Q1. Wavelength is the distance between: A) Two successive particles B) Two successive crests or compressions C) Mean and extreme position D) Two random points Answer: B Q2. SI unit of wavelength is: A) second B) hertz C) meter D) meter per second Answer: C Q3. Frequency is defined as: A) Time for one oscillation B) Distance travelled by wave C) Number of oscillations per second D) Speed of wave Answer: C Q4. SI unit of frequency is: A) second B) hertz C) meter D) joule Answer: B Q5. Relation between wave velocity, frequency and wavelength is: A) v = f / λ B) v = f + λ C) v = f λ D) v = λ / f Answer: C Q6. If frequency increases and velocity remains constant, wavelength: A) Increases B) Decreases C) Remains same D) Becomes zero Answer: B Q7. Time period of a wave is: A) Inversely proportional to frequency B) Directly proportional to frequency C) Equal to wavelength D) Equal to velocity Answer: A Q8. Unit of wave velocity is: A) m B) Hz C) m s⁻¹ D) s Answer: C
Distance between two successive crests or compressions.
SI unit: meter (m)
Time taken for one complete oscillation.
SI unit: second (s)
Number of oscillations per second.
SI unit: hertz (Hz)
f = 1 / T
Speed with which wave propagates.
v = f λ
SI unit: m s−1
Numericals are frequently asked using v = f λ and f = 1 / T. Units are very important.
