What is wave velocity?

Wave velocity is the speed at which a wave travels through a medium.

Wave velocity is an important concept in physics as it helps us understand how waves behave and interact with their surroundings. It is defined as the distance travelled by a wave per unit time, and is usually denoted by the symbol v. The units of wave velocity are metres per second (m/s).

The velocity of a wave depends on the properties of the medium through which it is travelling. For example, sound waves travel at different velocities through different materials, such as air, water, or solids. The velocity of a wave also depends on its frequency and wavelength. In general, waves with higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths travel at higher velocities.

Wave velocity can be calculated using the equation v = fλ, where v is the wave velocity, f is the frequency of the wave, and λ is the wavelength. This equation is particularly useful when dealing with electromagnetic waves, such as light, which travel at a constant velocity in a vacuum.

In summary, wave velocity is the speed at which a wave travels through a medium, and is determined by the properties of the medium, as well as the frequency and wavelength of the wave. Understanding wave velocity is essential for studying various types of waves, including sound, light, and seismic waves.