Phase velocity facts for kids

Gravity waves on the ocean surface over deep water. The red dot moves with the phase velocity. The green dots propagate with the group velocity. The phase velocity here is twice the group velocity.

The phase velocity of a wave is the rate at which the phase of any one frequency component of the wave travels.

Any given phase of the wave (for example, the crest) will appear to travel at the phase velocity. The phase velocity is given in terms of the wavelength λ (lambda) and wave period T as

Images for kids

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  Propagation of a wave packet demonstrating a phase velocity greater than the group velocity without dispersion.

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  This shows a wave with the group velocity and phase velocity going in different directions. The group velocity is positive, while the phase velocity is negative.

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  A superposition of 1D plane waves (blue) each traveling at a different phase velocity (traced by blue dots) results in a Gaussian wave packet (red) that propagates at the group velocity (traced by the red line).

See also

In Spanish: Velocidad de fase para niños