WavesKey Facts

Using the Wave Equation

Part of Wave PropertiesGCSE Physics

This key facts covers Using the Wave Equation 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 5 of 13 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 5 of 13

Practice

21 questions

Recall

15 flashcards

🔧 Using the Wave Equation

Rearrangements:

  • v = f × λ (find speed)
  • f = v / λ (find frequency)
  • λ = v / f (find wavelength)

Key relationships:

  • Higher frequency → shorter wavelength (for same speed)
  • Speed depends on the MEDIUM, not the wave itself
  • Frequency is set by the SOURCE and doesn't change

Quick Check: A wave has a frequency of 5 Hz and a wavelength of 2 m. What is its speed?

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?

  • A. Matter only
  • B. Energy only
  • C. Both energy and matter
  • D. Energy without transferring matter
1 markfoundation

Explain the difference between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Wave equation
v = fλ (wave speed = frequency × wavelength)
What is amplitude?
Maximum displacement from rest position (determines energy/loudness/brightness)

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