Waves in GCSE Physics: Key Concepts and Characteristics
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79
0
G
George
28/07/2025
Physics
GCSE AQA Physics Waves (P6)
2,670
•
28 Jul 2025
•
GCSE AQA Physics Waves Revision Notes PDF, Questions and Answers
G
George
@george_aakl
Features of Waves and Electromagnetic Spectrum
This page delves deeper into wave characteristics and introduces the electromagnetic spectrum, essential topics for GCSE Physics waves questions and answers.
The page begins by defining key wave measurements:
Vocabulary:
- Amplitude: The maximum displacement of a point on the wave from its undisturbed position.
- Wavelength: The distance between the same point on two adjacent waves.
- Frequency: The number of complete waves passing a certain point per second, measured in hertz (Hz).
The concept of wave period is introduced, along with its relationship to frequency:
Definition: The period of a wave is the amount of time it takes for a full cycle of the wave to be completed.
Highlight: Period = 1/Frequency or T = 1/f
The page then transitions to electromagnetic waves, describing them as transverse waves consisting of vibrating electric and magnetic fields. The electromagnetic spectrum is presented as a continuous spectrum of all possible wavelengths of electromagnetic waves.
Example: The electromagnetic spectrum includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays, arranged in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.
The document concludes by discussing wave behavior at boundaries between different materials, including absorption, reflection, and transmission. This information is particularly relevant for answering questions about waves in GCSE Physics Combined Science.
Electromagnetic Waves and Energy Transfer
This final page focuses on the energy transfer properties of electromagnetic waves, a crucial topic for IGCSE physics waves notes and AQA GCSE Physics Waves exam questions.
The page emphasizes that all electromagnetic waves transfer energy from a source to an absorber. This concept is fundamental to understanding the practical applications of electromagnetic waves in various fields.
Highlight: All electromagnetic waves transfer energy from a source to an absorber.
Two examples are provided to illustrate this principle:
- A hot object (the source) transfers energy by emitting infrared radiation, which is absorbed by the surroundings.
- Oscillating electrons in a radio transmitter (the source) produce radio waves that transfer energy to a receiver, causing the electrons in the receiver to oscillate.
These examples demonstrate the practical applications of electromagnetic waves in everyday life and technology, which is often a focus in GCSE Physics waves questions.
Understanding the energy transfer properties of electromagnetic waves is crucial for students preparing for exams, as it ties together concepts from earlier sections on wave types, the electromagnetic spectrum, and wave behavior at boundaries.
Wave Basics and Types
This page introduces fundamental concepts of waves in GCSE Physics, focusing on transverse and longitudinal waves.
Waves are oscillations that transfer energy without transferring matter. They can be classified into two main types: transverse and longitudinal waves.
Definition: A wave is an oscillation that transfers energy without transferring any matter, by making the particles of the substance (or fields) that it is travelling through oscillate.
Transverse waves have oscillations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. Examples include light, electromagnetic waves, and water ripples.
Example: A transverse wave on a spring demonstrates oscillations perpendicular to the wave's direction of travel.
Longitudinal waves have oscillations parallel to the direction of energy transfer. Sound waves and compressions in a spring are examples of longitudinal waves.
The document introduces the wave speed equation for AQA Physics GCSE:
Highlight: Speed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) x wavelength (m)
This equation is crucial for solving waves GCSE Physics questions related to wave speed, frequency, and wavelength.
The page concludes by emphasizing that waves transfer energy but not matter, providing examples such as water ripples and sound waves to illustrate this concept.
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Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
GCSE AQA Physics Waves Revision Notes PDF, Questions and Answers
G
George
@george_aakl
Waves in GCSE Physics: Key Concepts and Characteristics
This document provides comprehensive GCSE Physics waves revision notes covering wave basics, types, properties, and electromagnetic waves. It's an essential resource for students preparing for AQA GCSE Physics Waves exam questions.... Show more
Features of Waves and Electromagnetic Spectrum
This page delves deeper into wave characteristics and introduces the electromagnetic spectrum, essential topics for GCSE Physics waves questions and answers.
The page begins by defining key wave measurements:
Vocabulary:
- Amplitude: The maximum displacement of a point on the wave from its undisturbed position.
- Wavelength: The distance between the same point on two adjacent waves.
- Frequency: The number of complete waves passing a certain point per second, measured in hertz (Hz).
The concept of wave period is introduced, along with its relationship to frequency:
Definition: The period of a wave is the amount of time it takes for a full cycle of the wave to be completed.
Highlight: Period = 1/Frequency or T = 1/f
The page then transitions to electromagnetic waves, describing them as transverse waves consisting of vibrating electric and magnetic fields. The electromagnetic spectrum is presented as a continuous spectrum of all possible wavelengths of electromagnetic waves.
Example: The electromagnetic spectrum includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays, arranged in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.
The document concludes by discussing wave behavior at boundaries between different materials, including absorption, reflection, and transmission. This information is particularly relevant for answering questions about waves in GCSE Physics Combined Science.
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Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Electromagnetic Waves and Energy Transfer
This final page focuses on the energy transfer properties of electromagnetic waves, a crucial topic for IGCSE physics waves notes and AQA GCSE Physics Waves exam questions.
The page emphasizes that all electromagnetic waves transfer energy from a source to an absorber. This concept is fundamental to understanding the practical applications of electromagnetic waves in various fields.
Highlight: All electromagnetic waves transfer energy from a source to an absorber.
Two examples are provided to illustrate this principle:
- A hot object (the source) transfers energy by emitting infrared radiation, which is absorbed by the surroundings.
- Oscillating electrons in a radio transmitter (the source) produce radio waves that transfer energy to a receiver, causing the electrons in the receiver to oscillate.
These examples demonstrate the practical applications of electromagnetic waves in everyday life and technology, which is often a focus in GCSE Physics waves questions.
Understanding the energy transfer properties of electromagnetic waves is crucial for students preparing for exams, as it ties together concepts from earlier sections on wave types, the electromagnetic spectrum, and wave behavior at boundaries.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Wave Basics and Types
This page introduces fundamental concepts of waves in GCSE Physics, focusing on transverse and longitudinal waves.
Waves are oscillations that transfer energy without transferring matter. They can be classified into two main types: transverse and longitudinal waves.
Definition: A wave is an oscillation that transfers energy without transferring any matter, by making the particles of the substance (or fields) that it is travelling through oscillate.
Transverse waves have oscillations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. Examples include light, electromagnetic waves, and water ripples.
Example: A transverse wave on a spring demonstrates oscillations perpendicular to the wave's direction of travel.
Longitudinal waves have oscillations parallel to the direction of energy transfer. Sound waves and compressions in a spring are examples of longitudinal waves.
The document introduces the wave speed equation for AQA Physics GCSE:
Highlight: Speed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) x wavelength (m)
This equation is crucial for solving waves GCSE Physics questions related to wave speed, frequency, and wavelength.
The page concludes by emphasizing that waves transfer energy but not matter, providing examples such as water ripples and sound waves to illustrate this concept.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user