Wave Equation and Calculations
This page delves into the wave speed formula and related calculations, essential for GCSE Physics waves questions and answers.
Wave Speed Equation
The fundamental wave speed equation GCSE students need to know is:
Definition: Wave speed (v) = Frequency (f) × Wavelength (λ)
This equation is crucial for understanding how to calculate wave speed for GCSE physics AQA and other exam boards.
Highlight: Wave speed is typically measured in meters per second (m/s), frequency in Hertz (Hz), and wavelength in meters (m).
Frequency and Period
The page also introduces the concepts of frequency and period, which are inversely related:
Definition: Frequency (f) = 1 / Period (T)
Vocabulary: Period - the time taken for one complete wave cycle.
This relationship is important when learning how to calculate wave speed without wavelength directly.
Additional Calculations
The guide provides formulas for calculating:
- Frequency from period: f = 1 / T
- Period from frequency: T = 1 / f
These equations are essential for solving various GCSE Physics waves questions and answers PDF problems, especially those involving frequency definition GCSE physics and related concepts.
Example: To measure the period of a wave, you need to determine how long it takes for one complete wave to pass a fixed point.
Understanding these equations and concepts is crucial for mastering topics like how to calculate wavelength, amplitude of a wave, and wave speed unit in GCSE Physics.