Wave energy ~ wave height squ. or wave amplitude squ.?

AI Thread Summary
Wave energy is described by two main formulas: one relating it to wave length and wave height squared, and the other to wave period and wave amplitude squared. While wave period is often considered equivalent to wave length, wave height does not equal wave amplitude, particularly for sinusoidal waves where height is twice the amplitude. This leads to confusion about whether the relationship should reflect amplitude squared or height squared. However, in a proportional relationship, the specific numerical constants are irrelevant, making both formulations valid since height and amplitude are proportional. Understanding these relationships clarifies the calculations for wave energy.
zweistein
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Hello,
I've found different formulas regarding wave energy.

1) Wave energy is proportional to wave length \lambda times wave height squared

2) Wave energy is proportional to wave period T times wave amplitude squared

From what I've read, wave period is equivalent to wave length.
But wave height does not equal wave amplitude (for a sinusoidal wave: h=2a) so shouldn't it be 4a?

I think I'm mixing up a few things.
 
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In a "proportional to" relationship, numerical constants don't matter. So "proportional to amplitude squared" and "proportional to height squared" are equally valid statements, because amplitude and height are proportional to each other.
 
Oh, okay, thank you.
 

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