A-Level Physics Aaron Merchant
Waves and Particle Transverse & Longitudinal Waves
Nature of Light
Key Points Notes
Properties of Waves Wavelength (m) → Distance between a point on the wave and the same
point on the following cycle
Amplitude (m) → Magnitude of maximum displacement by an oscillation
Period (s) → Time taken for one complete oscillation
Frequency (Hz) → Number of complete wave cycles per second
Wave Speed (ms-1) → Rate of movement of wave.
1
𝑓= 𝑇
Frequency = 1 / Time Period
Wave Equation
𝑣 = 𝑓λ Velocity = Frequency x Wavelength
Longitudinal Waves
A longitudinal wave is one where particles oscillate parallel to the direction
of energy transfer
Areas of High Pressure → Compressions
Areas of Low Pressure → Rarefactions
Longitudinal waves cannot be polarised
Waves and Particle Transverse & Longitudinal Waves
Nature of Light
Key Points Notes
Properties of Waves Wavelength (m) → Distance between a point on the wave and the same
point on the following cycle
Amplitude (m) → Magnitude of maximum displacement by an oscillation
Period (s) → Time taken for one complete oscillation
Frequency (Hz) → Number of complete wave cycles per second
Wave Speed (ms-1) → Rate of movement of wave.
1
𝑓= 𝑇
Frequency = 1 / Time Period
Wave Equation
𝑣 = 𝑓λ Velocity = Frequency x Wavelength
Longitudinal Waves
A longitudinal wave is one where particles oscillate parallel to the direction
of energy transfer
Areas of High Pressure → Compressions
Areas of Low Pressure → Rarefactions
Longitudinal waves cannot be polarised
