Virtual Labs • Wave Mechanics
Wave Simulator
Explore frequency, amplitude, wavelength, wave speed, and particle motion. Superimpose two waves to witness constructive and destructive interference in real time.
Wave propagating to the right (→) • Speed: 4.0 m/s
Speed:
Amplitude (A)
m
0.2 m1.0 m2.2 m
Frequency (f)
Hz
0.2 Hz1.5 Hz3.0 Hz
Wavelength (λ)
m
1.0 m5.0 m10.0 m
Initial Phase (ϕ)
°
0°90°180°360°
Physical Wave Speed in Medium:v = f × λ = 4.00 m/s
Speed Coupling:
Wave Anatomy Annotations & Visual Tools
Live Wave Kinematics & Harmonic Properties
Real-time measurements calculated according to v = f × λ and ω = 2πf
Transverse ModeLinear Medium
Amplitude (A)
1.00 m
Max Crest Height
Frequency (f)
1.00 Hz
Cycles / sec
Wavelength (λ)
4.00 m
Crest-to-Crest
Wave Speed (v)
4.00 m/s
v = f × λ
Period (T)
1.00 s
T = 1 / f
Angular Freq (ω)
6.28
rad/s (2πf)
Wave Number (k)
1.57
rad/m (2π/λ)
Phase (ϕ)
0°
0.00 rad
Physical Insight: Particle Motion vs. Wave Energy Propagation
In a transverse wave, individual medium particles (shown by the colored dots) execute simple harmonic vertical oscillation perpendicular to the horizontal travel direction. Notice that the particles do not move from left to right; only the wave pattern and energy travel horizontally with speed v = f × λ.
Compare Waves & Superposition (Interference)
Study principle of superposition: y_net(x, t) = y₁(x, t) + y₂(x, t)
Harmonic Wave Equation & Mathematical Parameters
General traveling-wave function y(x, t) populated with current slider values
General Form (Forward-Propagating)SI Units (m, s)
y(x, t) = A \sin(kx - \omega t + \phi)
Current Equation with Numerical Constants:
y(x, t) = 1.00 \sin(1.57x - 6.28t + 0.00)
Amplitude (A)1.00 m
Frequency (f)1.00 Hz
Wavelength (λ)4.00 m
Wave Speed (v)4.00 m/s
Period (T)1.000 s
Angular Freq (ω)6.28 rad/s
Wave Number (k)1.57 rad/m
Phase (ϕ)0 °