Properties of Waves

This section covers the key properties used to describe wave motion in GCSE Physics waves Questions and answers.

When describing a wave, we use four main properties:

1. Amplitude

   • Distance from the undisturbed position to the peak or trough of a wave
   • Symbol: A
   • Measured in meters

2. Wavelength

   • Distance between corresponding points on adjacent waves
   • Symbol: λ (lambda)
   • Measured in meters

Definition: For transverse waves, wavelength is measured from peak to peak or trough to trough. For longitudinal waves, it's measured from the center of one compression to the center of the next.

3. Frequency

   • Number of waves passing a point in one second
   • Symbol: f
   • Measured in hertz (Hz)

4. Time Period

   • Time taken for one complete wave cycle
   • Symbol: T
   • Measured in seconds

Formula: Time period = 1 / frequency

Wave Speed

• Distance traveled by a wave each second
• Symbol: v
• Measured in meters per second (m/s)

Formula: Wave speed = frequency × wavelength (v = f × λ)

Highlight: This formula applies to both transverse and longitudinal waves and is crucial for solving GCSE Physics waves in air fluids solids questions.

The Refraction of Waves and Sound Waves

This section briefly introduces wave refraction and the characteristics of sound waves.

Refraction of Waves

• Occurs when waves pass between different materials
• Changes in wave speed can cause changes in direction

Sound Waves

• Vibrations of air molecules
• Longitudinal waves consisting of compressions and rarefactions
• Can transfer vibrations to solids upon contact

Highlight: Sound waves travel fastest in solids and slowest in gases due to the proximity of particles in these mediums.

Example: This explains why you can hear a train coming by putting your ear to the railway track before you can hear it through the air.

Understanding these concepts is essential for tackling GCSE Physics waves in air fluids solids questions and mastering the topic of Waves (GCSE Physics).

Ultrasound Applications

This section details specific uses of ultrasound waves in different contexts.

Definition: Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to detect objects and boundaries between different media.

Highlight: The time taken for reflections to return can determine the distance to detected objects.