A sine wave is a type of wave that is characterized by its shape, which resembles a smooth, repetitive curve. It is a mathematical function that describes a smooth oscillation or vibration.
A sine wave is transverse, meaning that the particles of the medium through which it travels move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation. This is in contrast to longitudinal waves, where the particles move parallel to the direction of propagation.
A sine wave can be created by a simple harmonic oscillator, which is a physical system that exhibits simple harmonic motion. It can also be created by graphing the sine function on a coordinate plane.
Sine waves can be found in many natural phenomena, such as ocean waves, sound waves, and light waves. They are also used in various man-made technologies, including AC electricity, radio waves, and musical instruments.
Some key properties of a sine wave include its amplitude, frequency, and wavelength. Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of the wave from its equilibrium position, while frequency is the number of complete oscillations the wave makes in one second. Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points on the wave that have the same phase, such as two consecutive peaks or troughs.