Waves (Edexcel GCSE Physics): Flashcards

Energy (not matter)

Vibrate around fixed point, don't move along with wave

Perpendicular to wave direction

EM waves, S-waves, water ripples

Parallel to wave direction

Sound waves, P-waves

Compressions and rarefactions

Maximum displacement from rest position

Distance between corresponding points on adjacent waves

Number of complete cycles per second

Hertz (Hz)

1 wave per second

Time for one full wave cycle

$v = f \lambda$ (speed = frequency × wavelength)

$T = \frac{1}{f}$ (period = 1/frequency)