Circular waves (water waves)

A wave is a disturbance that propagates as a result of initial vibration. If the vibration is maintained, the wave can occur periodically as is the case for this animation.

A wave is characterized by a propagation speed that depends on the environment. This can be of the order of cm / s, as is the case for waves on the water, a few km/s for a seismic wave or 300,000 km/s for an electromagnetic wave.

When a wave propagates in the circular surface of the water, the various points of the surface move vertically, with an elongation (amplitude) which depends on time and position.

Note: This simulation shows a circular wave that propagates without any change in amplitude. In the real case, conservation of energy requires that the amplitude of the wave decreases with distance.

Click and drag the amplitude sensors on the waves. 

Move the slider to change the wavelength