Physics (Combined Science) · GCSE · AQA · AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Physics — Foundation · Specification point · 6.6.1.2 · Waves · Waves in air, fluids and solids
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6.6.1.2 Properties of waves
| Content | Key opportunities for skills development |
|---|---|
Students should be able to describe wave motion in terms of their amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period. The amplitude of a wave is the maximum displacement of a point on a wave away from its undisturbed position. The wavelength of a wave is the distance from a point on one wave to the equivalent point on the adjacent wave. The frequency of a wave is the number of waves passing a point each second. | MS 1c, 3b, c |
period, T, in seconds, s
frequency, f, in hertz, Hz
The wave speed is the speed at which the energy is transferred (or the wave moves) through the medium.
All waves obey the wave equation:
MS 1c, 3b, c Students should be able to apply this equation which is given on the Physics equation sheet. |
wave speed, v, in metres per second, m/s frequency, f, in hertz, Hz wavelength, λ, in metres, m Students should be able to:
| MS 1c, 3b, 3c Students should be able to recall and apply this equation. |
| AT 1 WS 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.5 |
| AT 1, AT 4 WS 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.5 |
Required practical activity 20: make observations to identify the suitability of apparatus to measure the frequency, wavelength and speed of waves in a ripple tank and waves in a solid and take appropriate measurements.
AT skills covered by this practical activity: physics AT 4.
This practical activity also provides opportunities to develop WS and MS. Details of all skills are given in Key opportunities for skills development (page 191).