๐ฏ Common Question Types:
- Calculate wave speed using v = f ร ฮป (1โ3 marks)
- Label wave diagram โ wavelength, amplitude, crest, trough (2โ4 marks)
- Compare transverse and longitudinal with examples (3โ4 marks)
- Interpret an oscilloscope trace to find frequency or amplitude (3 marks)
๐ Key Command Words:
- State: Just name it โ "Sound is a longitudinal wave"
- Describe: Say what happens โ "particles vibrate parallel to wave travel"
- Explain: Give a reason โ "frequency stays constant because it is set by the source"
- Calculate: Show working, units, and answer
โ ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Saying waves transfer matter โ they transfer ENERGY only
- Measuring amplitude from crest to trough (it's crest to rest position)
- Forgetting units in wave equation calculations (must be m/s, Hz, m)
- Confusing period and frequency โ they are reciprocals
Quick Check: A sound wave has a frequency of 440 Hz and travels at 330 m/s. What is its wavelength?
ฮป = v รท f = 330 รท 440 = 0.75 m
This exam tips covers Exam Tips within Wave Properties for GCSE Physics. Revise Wave Properties in Waves for GCSE Physics with 21 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 12 of 13 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Practice questions for Wave Properties
What do waves transfer from one place to another?
Explain the difference between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave.
Quick recall flashcards
What is amplitude?
Maximum displacement from rest position (determines energy/loudness/brightness)
Wave equation
v = fฮป (wave speed = frequency ร wavelength)