Physics (Combined Science) · GCSE · AQA · AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Physics — Higher · Specification point · 6.6.1.2 · Waves · Waves in air, fluids and solids
Read Notes
Read clear notes for this topic.
Practice Questions
Coming soon
Exam Questions
Coming soon
Flashcards
Flip through flashcards to lock it in.
Lesson
Coming soon
Ask Sage
Get help from Sage on this topic.
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).