GCSE Physics · Edexcel 1PH0 · Topic 4A

Wave properties

Key points

Amplitude is the maximum displacement from the rest position; wavelength ( $\lambda$ ) is the distance between one point and the matching point on the next wave.
Frequency ( $f$ ) is the number of waves passing a point each second, in hertz (Hz). Period $T = \frac{1}{f}$ .
Wave speed: $v = f\lambda$ and also $v = \frac{x}{t}$ .
Transverse waves (e.g. light, waves on strings) oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
Longitudinal waves (e.g. sound) oscillate parallel to the direction of energy transfer, forming compressions and rarefactions.
Speed of sound in air can be measured with two microphones or an echo; speed of water waves can be measured in a ripple tank (core practical).

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