This topic summary covers Knowledge Organiser: Wave Properties 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 13 of 13 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Knowledge Organiser: Wave Properties
Key Terms
- Amplitude: max displacement from rest (m)
- Frequency: waves per second (Hz)
- Wavelength: distance crest to crest (m)
- Period: time for one wave (s)
- Transverse: vibration perpendicular to travel
- Longitudinal: vibration parallel to travel
Key Facts
- All waves transfer energy, not matter
- Sound = longitudinal; light = transverse
- Frequency is set by the source, unchanged by medium
- Speed changes at boundaries; wavelength adjusts
- Higher frequency → shorter wavelength (same speed)
Key Equations
- v = f × λ (wave speed)
- T = 1/f (period)
- f = 1/T (frequency)
Exam Tips
- Amplitude = crest to rest, NOT crest to trough
- Show all working in wave calculations
- State type + give example for full marks
- Compressions + rarefactions = longitudinal only
Common Mistakes
- Measuring amplitude as crest to trough: Amplitude is the distance from the rest position to the crest (or trough) — not the full crest-to-trough distance, which is twice the amplitude
- Confusing wavelength and period: Wavelength (λ) is a distance (m); period (T) is a time (s) — they are different quantities even though both relate to one complete wave cycle
- Saying particles travel with the wave: In a wave, particles oscillate about their rest position — they do not travel with the wave; only energy is transferred
- Confusing transverse and longitudinal: Transverse waves have vibrations perpendicular to wave direction (light, water); longitudinal waves have vibrations parallel to wave direction (sound)
- Getting the wave equation wrong: v = f × λ — wave speed equals frequency times wavelength; not frequency divided by wavelength
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
Wave equation
v = fλ (wave speed = frequency × wavelength)
What is amplitude?
Maximum displacement from rest position (determines energy/loudness/brightness)