In physics, what is a wave?

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another, without transferring matter.

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What part of the wave is indicated on the diagram above?

The crest or peak.

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What part of the wave is indicated on the diagram above?

The trough.

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What is the 'frequency' of a wave?

The frequency of a wave is the number of times a wave oscillates in one second.


In the above example the frequency is 1 Hz (1 oscillation per 1 second).

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What is the frequency of the above wave?

1.5 Hz.


(the wave oscillates 1.5 times per 1 second - meaning its frequency is 1.5 Hz)

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Given that the y-axis shows displacement, what feature of the wave is indicated by the dashed orange lines?

The amplitude.

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What is the 'wavelength' of a wave?

The wavelength of a wave is the length of one oscillation, in metres.

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What is the 'amplitude' of a wave?

The amplitude of a wave is the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position (the x-axis).

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What is the unit for frequency?

Hertz (Hz)


1 Hz is 1 oscillation per second. 60 Hz is 60 oscillations per second.

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Given that the x-axis shows distance, what feature of the wave is indicated by the dashed green line?

The wavelength.

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What is the unit for wavelength?

Metres (m)

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What is the 'time period' of a wave?

The time period is the time it takes for one entire oscillation of a wave, in seconds. 

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What is the formula for time period?

time period = 1 ÷ frequency

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Given that the x-axis shows time, what feature of the wave is indicated by the dashed red line?

The time period.

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What is a transverse wave?


A wave where the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

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Give 4 examples of transverse waves.

  1. Electromagnetic waves
  2. Water waves
  3. Waves on a string
  4. Seismic s-waves

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What is a longitudinal wave?

A wave where the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer:

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Give 2 examples of longitudinal waves.

  1. Sound waves
  2. Seismic p-waves

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What is a progressive wave?

A progressive wave results in the net transfer of energy from one point to another.

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What is the phase difference between the two points labelled?

Phase difference = 180°  OR  π radians

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What is the phase difference between the two points labelled?

Phase difference = 0°  OR  2π radians

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