GCSERevise
AQASpec 4.6Foundation & Higher~30 min

Waves

Physics · Topic revision workspace

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Read the notes, score 80% and know 75% of the cards.

Topic overview

What you need to know

Waves is a key part of GCSE Physics. Choose the right model or equation, track units carefully and connect calculations to physical meaning. A wave where the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. E.g. light, water waves, S-waves. A wave where the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer. E.g. sound waves, P-waves. The distance from one point on a wave to the equivalent point on the next wave (e.g. crest to crest). Measured in metres.

Exam tip

Write the equation, substitute with units, calculate, then round only at the end.

Revision notes

Core ideas

Secure these ideas first. Say each definition in your own words, then connect it to the topic overview.

  • Transverse Wave: A wave where the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. E.g. light, water waves, S-waves.
  • Longitudinal Wave: A wave where the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer. E.g. sound waves, P-waves.
  • Wavelength (λ): The distance from one point on a wave to the equivalent point on the next wave (e.g. crest to crest). Measured in metres.
  • Frequency (f): The number of complete waves passing a point per second. Measured in hertz (Hz).

Revision notes

Apply it in the exam

The exam will rarely ask for an isolated definition. Practise selecting the right idea and using it as part of a complete explanation or method.

  • Wave Speed Equation: v = fλ (wave speed = frequency × wavelength). Speed in m/s, frequency in Hz, wavelength in m.
  • Reflection: When a wave bounces off a surface. The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
  • Refraction: The change in direction of a wave when it passes from one medium to another, caused by a change in speed.
  • Electromagnetic Spectrum: Radio, Microwave, Infrared, Visible, Ultraviolet, X-ray, Gamma ray — in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.

Core knowledge

Key facts for Waves

1

Transverse Wave

A wave where the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. E.g. light, water waves, S-waves.

2

Longitudinal Wave

A wave where the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer. E.g. sound waves, P-waves.

3

Wavelength (λ)

The distance from one point on a wave to the equivalent point on the next wave (e.g. crest to crest). Measured in metres.

4

Frequency (f)

The number of complete waves passing a point per second. Measured in hertz (Hz).

5

Wave Speed Equation

v = fλ (wave speed = frequency × wavelength). Speed in m/s, frequency in Hz, wavelength in m.

6

Reflection

When a wave bounces off a surface. The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

7

Refraction

The change in direction of a wave when it passes from one medium to another, caused by a change in speed.

8

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Radio, Microwave, Infrared, Visible, Ultraviolet, X-ray, Gamma ray — in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.

Active recall

Close the notes and answer these

  1. 1.Without looking, explain transverse wave and give one example or consequence.
  2. 2.Without looking, explain longitudinal wave and give one example or consequence.
  3. 3.Without looking, explain wavelength (λ) and give one example or consequence.
  4. 4.Without looking, explain frequency (f) and give one example or consequence.

Content reviewed 23 July 2026 against the current linked specification.

Finished learning?

Mark the notes complete, then test what you can recall.

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