Phase Velocity

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Phase Velocity

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Of a traveling plane wave at a single frequency, the velocity of an equiphase surface along the wave normal. Also called phase 'speed, wave speed, wave velocity. </dd>
Thus, the component sin ( 2π/λ)(x - ct) represents a wavelength λ traveling in the positive x- direction with phase velocity c. This concept is to be distinguished from signal velocity, group velocity, and the velocity of fluid parcels. See velocity of propagation. </dd>

References

This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use