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.
Topic position
Section 12 of 13
Practice
21 questions
Recall
15 flashcards
💡 Exam Tips
🎯 Common Question Types:
- Calculate wave speed using v = f × λ (1–3 marks)
- Label wave diagram — wavelength, amplitude, crest, trough (2–4 marks)
- Compare transverse and longitudinal with examples (3–4 marks)
- Interpret an oscilloscope trace to find frequency or amplitude (3 marks)
📝 Key Command Words:
- State: Just name it — "Sound is a longitudinal wave"
- Describe: Say what happens — "particles vibrate parallel to wave travel"
- Explain: Give a reason — "frequency stays constant because it is set by the source"
- Calculate: Show working, units, and answer
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Saying waves transfer matter — 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 — they are reciprocals
Quick Check: A sound wave has a frequency of 440 Hz and travels at 330 m/s. What is its wavelength?
λ = v ÷ f = 330 ÷ 440 = 0.75 m
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Wave Properties. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
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
21 questions on Wave Properties — practise free
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