This definitions covers Key Definitions within Wave Properties for GCSE Physics. Revise Wave Properties in Waves for GCSE Physics with 21 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 7 of 13 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 7 of 13
Practice
21 questions
Recall
15 flashcards
📖 Key Definitions
Wave: A disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.
Amplitude: The maximum displacement of a particle from its rest (equilibrium) position, measured in metres.
Frequency: The number of complete waves passing a point per second, measured in hertz (Hz).
Wavelength (λ): The distance between two successive identical points on a wave (e.g., crest to crest), measured in metres.
Transverse wave: A wave in which particle vibration is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel (e.g., light, water waves).
Longitudinal wave: A wave in which particle vibration is parallel to the direction of wave travel, producing compressions and rarefactions (e.g., sound).