What term describes how many wave cycles pass a given point each second?

What term describes how many wave cycles pass a given point each second?

• A. Amplitude
• B. Frequency
• C. Wavelength
• D. Speed

Answer: (B)

The rate at which wave cycles pass a fixed point per second is called frequency. It tells you how many cycles occur in one second and is measured in hertz (Hz). Frequency captures the tempo of the wave: more cycles per second mean a higher pitch in sound. This is different from amplitude (how tall the wave is), wavelength (the distance between successive crests), and speed (how fast the wave travels). The speed of a wave is related to frequency and wavelength by the equation v = f × λ, so frequency directly ties into how often the wave repeats at a point while the wavelength and medium influence the overall motion.

The rate at which wave cycles pass a fixed point per second is called frequency. It tells you how many cycles occur in one second and is measured in hertz (Hz). Frequency captures the tempo of the wave: more cycles per second mean a higher pitch in sound. This is different from amplitude (how tall the wave is), wavelength (the distance between successive crests), and speed (how fast the wave travels). The speed of a wave is related to frequency and wavelength by the equation v = f × λ, so frequency directly ties into how often the wave repeats at a point while the wavelength and medium influence the overall motion.