When studying waves, it is essential to understand their properties, which define their characteristics and behavior. Here are three key properties of waves:

Amplitude: The amplitude of a wave refers to the maximum displacement or distance a particle or medium moves from its rest position. Think of it as the height of a wave. For example, when observing a water wave, the amplitude would correspond to the maximum height of the wave crest.

Frequency: The frequency of a wave is the number of complete cycles or vibrations it completes in a given time. It is measured in hertz (Hz). For instance, if a wave completes 10 cycles in 1 second, its frequency would be 10 Hz.

Wavelength: The wavelength of a wave is the distance between two consecutive points in phase. It is often denoted by the Greek letter lambda (λ) and is measured in meters. For instance, when considering an electromagnetic wave, a wavelength of 500 nanometers would correspond to the color green.

These properties, together with another property called wave speed, are interconnected and essential in understanding various phenomena associated with waves.