This key facts covers Wave Quantities 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 4 of 13 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📚 Wave Quantities
| Quantity | Symbol | Unit | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | λ (lambda) | m | Distance between identical points on adjacent waves |
| Frequency | f | Hz | Number of waves passing a point per second |
| Period | T | s | Time for one complete wave (T = 1/f) |
| Amplitude | A | m | Maximum displacement from rest position |
| Wave speed | v | m/s | Speed at which wave travels |
The Wave Equation
v = f × λ
Wave speed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) × wavelength (m)
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
What is amplitude?
Maximum displacement from rest position (determines energy/loudness/brightness)
Wave equation
v = fλ (wave speed = frequency × wavelength)