3 equations. Each page has 10 real-life ramped questions with full FIFA solutions. Every equation is given on the equation sheet in the exam.
Key: C+S = Combined and Separate | S only = Separate Physics only | HT = Higher tier only
- Wave speed: v = fλ (C+S)
- Period: T = 1/f (C+S)
- Magnification (S only)
Key definitions
Write your answer on paper first, then tap Show answer. Learn the key words – definition questions are quick marks in the exam.
1. What is a transverse wave? Give an example. (C+S)
Show answer
A wave where the oscillations are perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of energy transfer, e.g. ripples on water, all electromagnetic waves.
2. What is a longitudinal wave? Give an example. (C+S)
Show answer
A wave where the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer. It has compressions and rarefactions, e.g. sound waves in air.
3. What do waves transfer? (C+S)
Show answer
Waves transfer energy (and information) from one place to another, but they do not transfer matter. For example, a floating object on water bobs up and down but does not travel with the wave.
4. What is the amplitude of a wave? (C+S)
Show answer
The maximum displacement of a point on a wave away from its undisturbed (rest) position.
5. What is the wavelength of a wave? (C+S)
Show answer
The distance from a point on one wave to the equivalent point on the adjacent wave (e.g. crest to crest). Unit: metre (m).
6. What is the frequency of a wave? (C+S)
Show answer
The number of waves passing a point each second. Unit: hertz (Hz).
7. What is the period of a wave? (C+S)
Show answer
The time taken for one complete wave to pass a point. Unit: second (s). T = 1/f.
8. What is wave speed? (C+S)
Show answer
The speed at which the energy is transferred (or the wave moves) through the medium.
9. List the electromagnetic spectrum in order of increasing frequency. (C+S)
Show answer
Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays. (Wavelength decreases in the same order.)
10. State three properties shared by all electromagnetic waves. (C+S)
Show answer
They are transverse; they transfer energy from the source to an absorber; they all travel at the same speed through a vacuum (or air).
11. What is refraction, and why does it happen? (C+S)
Show answer
The change in direction of a wave as it crosses a boundary between two different materials at an angle. It happens because the wave changes speed.
12. State the law of reflection. (C+S)
Show answer
The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection (both measured from the normal).
13. What is ultrasound? (S only)
Show answer
Sound waves with a frequency higher than the upper limit of human hearing – above 20 000 Hz (20 kHz).
14. What is the difference between a real image and a virtual image? (S only)
Show answer
A real image is formed where light rays actually meet and can be projected onto a screen. A virtual image is formed where rays only appear to come from, so it cannot be projected onto a screen.
