General properties of waves
Wave motion, wavefronts, energy without matter transfer, wave quantities, v = fλ and wave types.
Learning goals
- Describe wave generation by vibrating sources, ropes and springs
- Describe ripple-tank waves using wavefronts
- Explain that waves transfer energy
- Explain that wave energy transfer does not transfer matter
- Use amplitude, frequency and wavelength to describe wave motion
- Define and use wave speed and period and interpret wave graphs
- Recall and apply wave speed = frequency × wavelength
- Compare transverse and longitudinal waves and give examples
G2 Science (Physics) · Topic 8
Read the complete lesson from top to bottom first. Pause for its examples and independent questions, then use a short topic check to decide what to practise again.
Before you begin
Build the idea in order
- Wave motion
- Wavefronts and quantities
- Wave speed
- Transverse and longitudinal waves
Lessons
General properties of waves
Describe wave motion, quantities, energy transfer and transverse and longitudinal waves.
Check your understanding
General properties of waves topic check
Check the required topic capabilities and get focused practice for ideas that need another look.
What to remember
- A travelling disturbance transfers energy without overall matter transfer.
- Amplitude is maximum displacement and wavelength joins equal-phase points.
- Frequency is cycles per second and T = 1/f.
- Use v = fλ in consistent units.
- Transverse and longitudinal describe vibration direction relative to travel.
Topic and syllabus information
General properties of waves is Topic 8 in K223 / K224 Physics component · 2027.
The lesson stays within G2 depth and includes the explanations, examples and practice needed for this topic.
Reviewed 9 Aug 2026
Continue with the next resource in this course.
Course and syllabus information
- Course
- SEC G2 Science Physics component
- Edition
- SEC G2 Science Physics component 2027