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📘 Read the wave as a repeating pattern

A wave diagram is a graph of a repeating disturbance, not a picture of a single object traveling along a curved road. Start by finding the equilibrium line, the level around which the wave oscillates. Then identify crests, troughs, and the

4
lessons
~20 min
to learn
Adults
level
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What you’ll learn

  1. Read the axesIdentify equilibrium, amplitude, and wavelength on a wave diagram.Name the axes first, then measure vertical displacement and horizontal cycle length from matching points.
  2. Time and phaseRead frequency, period, and phase from time-based wave graphs.Frequency counts cycles per second; period is its reciprocal; phase compares horizontal shifts between similar waves.
  3. Connect the measurementsRelate wave speed to wavelength and frequency and compare multiple diagrams systematically.Use v = f lambda when speed is known, and compare one wave feature at a time across curves.
  4. Apply the checklistWork through a full diagram and finish with an axis-first review.Read displacement, repetition, and speed in order, then verify units and labels before answering.

Questions this course answers

A wave reaches +4 cm and -4 cm from equilibrium. What is its amplitude?

Amplitude is the distance from equilibrium to a crest or trough; the peak-to-peak height is 8 cm.

On a position-versus-displacement graph, what horizontal distance is one wavelength?

A wavelength is the distance between adjacent matching points in the cycle, such as crest to crest.

A wave has frequency 5 Hz. What is its period?

Period and frequency are reciprocals: T = 1/f = 1/5 s = 0.2 s.

Two waves have the same amplitude and wavelength, but one is shifted by one quarter wavelength. What is the phase difference?

One quarter of a cycle corresponds to 90 degrees of phase.

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