This topic summary covers Topic Summary: 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 is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. 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.
Topic position
Section 13 of 13
Practice
21 questions
Recall
15 flashcards
Topic Summary: 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