10.6 Characteristics of a Sound Wave

Last updated at July 20, 2026 by

💡 Measuring sound

Wavelength, frequency, time period, amplitude, speed — five numbers that pin down any sound wave exactly.

What are the characteristics of a sound wave?
A sound wave Described by five numbers
1. Wave size and timing
How the wave repeats
Example: Wavelength Frequency Time period
2. Amplitude
How loud the sound is
Example: Loudness and intensity
3. Speed
How fast it travels
Example: About 340 m/s in air
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