The speed of a wave can be calculated using the formula:
Speed = Wavelength × Frequency
In this formula, the wavelength (λ) represents the distance between two consecutive points on the wave that are in phase, such as two adjacent crests or two adjacent troughs. It is typically measured in meters (m).
The frequency (f) of a wave refers to the number of complete cycles or oscillations that the wave undergoes per unit of time. It is measured in hertz (Hz), which represents cycles per second.
By multiplying the wavelength and frequency together, you can determine the speed of the wave. The speed of a wave represents how quickly the wave propagates through a medium and is typically measured in meters per second (m/s).
It is important to note that the amplitude of a wave does not directly affect the wave's speed. The amplitude refers to the maximum displacement or magnitude of the wave from its equilibrium position. It is unrelated to the speed, which is determined solely by the wavelength and frequency.
Therefore, to calculate the speed of a wave, you need to know the wavelength and frequency, while the amplitude does not play a role in the speed calculation.