phase velocity

noun

, Physics.

1. the velocity with which a simple harmonic wave is propagated, equal to the wavelength divided by the period of vibration.

Word History and Origins

Origin of phase velocity¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

First, the speed or "phase velocity," of water waves varies with their wavelength, with longer wavelengths traveling faster than shorter ones do.

From Science Magazine

He had not distinguished correctly between group velocity and phase velocity.

From Scientific American

The "phase velocity" describes how fast waves of a given wavelength move, and the "group velocity" describes how fast the light conveys energy or information.

From Science Magazine

A light wave consists groups of smaller waves; the group velocity is the speed and direction of the overall wave group, the phase velocity refers to the speed and direction of a point on one of the smaller constituent waves.

From Scientific American

The electromagnetic energy of the light wave goes in the direction of the group velocity whereas the wave's effect on a particle goes in the direction of the phase velocity.

From Scientific American