General Wave Properties
Key idea: O Level general wave properties: definition of waves, key quantities (λ, f, T, v), and an introduction to ripple tank experiments.
Continue where you stopped
The core idea
On this page
Learning objectives
- 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
- Explain sound production by vibration and the need for a medium
- Describe sound using compressions and rarefactions
- Relate sound loudness to amplitude and pitch to frequency
- Explain reflected-sound echoes and use them to measure distance
- Explain ultrasound use in sonar and soft-tissue scanning
- Use the normal, angle of incidence and angle of reflection
- Apply the law of reflection in constructions, measurements and calculations
- Use the normal, angle of incidence and angle of refraction
- Apply sin i divided by sin r as a constant for a fixed pair of media
- Define refractive index as vacuum light speed divided by medium light speed
- Explain the critical angle
- Explain the conditions for total internal reflection
- Apply total internal reflection to optical fibres and state advantages
- Describe how a thin converging lens acts on a light beam
- Define the focal length of a converging lens
- Construct real and virtual image ray diagrams for a thin converging lens
- Describe lens images as real or virtual, magnified or diminished, and upright or inverted
Start here to understand wave motion and wavefronts, energy transfer without a net transfer of matter, wave quantities and graphs, v = fλ, and the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves.
Looking for the full Waves topic?
Start Here
Follow this order:
Lessons
Wave Properties
Amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, and v = fλ.
Ripple Tank
Wavefronts, reflection, and refraction (practical).
Revision
Quick Reference
| Quantity | Symbol | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wave speed | v | m s⁻¹ | How fast the wave travels |
| Frequency | f | Hz = s⁻¹ | Cycles per second |
| Period | T | s | Time for 1 cycle (T = 1/f) |
| Wavelength | λ | m | Distance between two corresponding points |
| Amplitude | A | m (or cm/mm) | Maximum displacement from rest |
Wave equation: v = fλ (use SI units).
Common Mistakes
- Mixing up amplitude (vertical displacement) with wavelength (horizontal spacing).
- Substituting non-SI values into v = fλ without unit conversion.
- Reading wavelength from non-corresponding points (for example crest to trough instead of crest to crest).
Continue with the next resource in this course.
Course and syllabus information
- Course
- SEC G3 Physics
- Edition
- SEC G3 Physics 2027