IGCSE Physics - Waves

Front

What is the formula to calculate the wavelength of a wave?

Back

Wavelength (λ) = Speed of wave (v) / Frequency (f)

Front

What is the frequency of a wave?

Back

The frequency of a wave is the number of waves that pass a point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

Frequency and wavelength are inversely related; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa.

Front

What is a transverse wave?

Back

A transverse wave is a wave in which the oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel, such as light waves.

Front

What is a longitudinal wave?

Back

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the oscillation is parallel to the direction of the wave's travel, such as sound waves.

Front

What is the period of a wave?

Back

The period of a wave is the time taken for one complete wave to pass a given point, measured in seconds.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of a wave as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the spreading out of waves when they pass through a narrow opening or around obstacles.

Front

What is interference in waves?

Back

Interference is the phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine to form a new wave pattern.

Front

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Back

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second.