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LESSON NOTES
Characteristics of Sound Waves
Wavelength
The distance between two successive crests or troughs (or) successive
compressions and rarefactions is called as wavelength (λ). The SI unit of
wavelength is meter (m).
Time period
Time taken by two consecutive compressions or rarefactions to cross a fixed point is
called a Time period (T). The SI unit of time in seconds (s).
Frequency
The number of compressions or rarefactions per unit time is called frequency ( ).
The SI unit of frequency is Hertz. The SI unit is Hertz (s−1)
v=1/T
Relation between wavelength, wave velocity and wave frequency
The production waves take place when a vibrating source disturbs the first particle of a
periodical nature. This certainly creates a wave pattern that begins to travel from
particle to particle along with a medium. Furthermore, the frequency at the vibration of
a particle occurs and is equal to the frequency of sound vibration.
Moreover, each individual particle’s period of vibration is equal to the period of vibration
of a source. Most noteworthy, one complete wave cycle refers to the complete back
and forth movement.
