

Two types of waves are most commonly studied in classical physics.
Waves are often described by a wave equation (standing wave field of two opposite waves) or a one-way wave equation for single wave propagation in a defined direction. In a standing wave, the amplitude of vibration has nulls at some positions where the wave amplitude appears smaller or even zero. When the entire waveform moves in one direction, it is said to be a traveling wave by contrast, a pair of superimposed periodic waves traveling in opposite directions makes a standing wave. Waves can be periodic, in which case those quantities oscillate repeatedly about an equilibrium (resting) value at some frequency.

In physics, mathematics, and related fields, a wave is a propagating dynamic disturbance (change from equilibrium) of one or more quantities. Surface waves in water showing water ripples
