Introduction
 

Waves transfer energy from one place to another without transferring matter. In this topic, students learn the fundamental properties of waves, including transverse and longitudinal waves, wave speed, frequency and wavelength. A solid understanding of wave behaviour provides the foundation for studying reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference and many other topics throughout the AQA A Level Physics course.
 

AQA A Level Physics Specification: 3.5.1.1 The Nature of Waves
 

What You Need to Know
 

• Define a wave as the transfer of energy without the transfer of matter.

• Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves.

• Describe the oscillations of particles in transverse and longitudinal waves.

• Define amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period.

• State and apply the wave equation relating wave speed, frequency and wavelength.

• Understand that wave speed depends on the properties of the medium.

• Calculate wave speed, frequency, wavelength and period using the appropriate equations.

• Solve quantitative problems involving wave motion.
   

Downloadable Topic Pack
 

The Nature of Waves Topic Pack Exam Questions and Answers

 

Related Topics
 

• Longitudinal and Transverse Waves

• Electromagnetic Radiation

• Superposition

• Stationary Waves

• Refraction, Diffraction and Interference