Wave Properties Y10 IGCSE

What is the definition of the amplitude of a wave?

• The time taken for one complete wave to pass a point

• Maximum displacement of a wave measured from its equilibrium position

• The number of waves passing a point per second

• The distance between two consecutive crests of a wave

• The height of a wave from peak to trough

Answer explanation

The equilibrium position is the 'middle' of a wave - where the medium (rope, water etc) would be if the wave wasn't passing through it.

Amplitude is measured from equilibrium to peak OR trough.

How is wavelength defined for a wave?

• The number of waves passing a point per second

• The speed of the wave

• The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position

• Distance between two consecutive points on a wave that are in phase with each other

• The height of a wave from peak to trough

What is the unit of frequency and how is it measured?

• watts (W)

• hertz (Hz)

• kilograms (kg)

• metres (m)

• seconds (s)

Explain the concept of reflection in the context of waves.

• The bouncing back of a wave when it encounters a boundary or obstacle.

• The creation of a new wave when two waves meet

• The absorption of a wave by a material

• The bending of a wave as it passes from one medium to another

What happens to the amplitude of a wave when its energy increases?

• The amplitude of the wave decreases.

• The amplitude of the wave becomes random.

• The amplitude of the wave increases.

• The amplitude of the wave stays the same.

What is the symbol for wavelength?

• λ

• π

• f

• T

What is the symbol for frequency?

• λ

• π

• f

• T

What is the symbol for period of a wave?

• λ

• π

• f

• T

What is the relationship between frequency and period of a wave?

• They are inversely proportional

• They are not related

• They are directly proportional

• The relationship depends on the amplitude of the wave

The period of a wave is 0.1s. What is the frequency?

• 0.1 Hz

• 1 Hz

• 10 Hz

• 100Hz