What this topic covers
Waves has 2 subtopics:
- Progressive and stationary waves
- Refraction, diffraction and interference
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AS Level AQA Physics · Topic 3 of 5
Waves – AS Level AQA Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. Waves covers Progressive and stationary waves and Refraction, diffraction and interference in AS Level AQA Physics. 13 lessons in 2 subtopics.
Revise Waves for AS Level AQA Physics, including Progressive and stationary waves and Refraction, diffraction and interference. 13 lessons across 2 subtopics.
13
Lessons
2
Subtopics
Waves lessons by subtopic
13 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
Progressive and stationary waves
- Longitudinal vs. Transverse Waves
- Polarisation of Transverse Waves
- Introduction to Stationary Waves
- Stationary Wave Equation and Practical Investigation
- Understanding Progressive Waves
Refraction, diffraction and interference
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Frequently asked questions
What is Waves?
Waves covers Progressive and stationary waves and Refraction, diffraction and interference in AS Level AQA Physics. 13 lessons in 2 subtopics.
What is the wave equation?
The wave equation is c = fλ, where c is wave speed in m s⁻¹, f is frequency in Hz and λ is wavelength in m. The Understanding Progressive Waves notes cover this in full.
What is Snell's law?
Snell's law states that n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂, where n₁ and n₂ are the refractive indices of the two media and θ₁ and θ₂ are the angles the ray makes with the normal on each side of the boundary. The Refraction and Snell's Law notes cover this in full.
What are examples of transverse waves?
Examples of transverse waves include waves on a stretched string, all electromagnetic waves such as light, radio waves and X-rays, and, as an approximate model, water surface waves. The Longitudinal vs. Transverse Waves notes cover this in full.
What are examples of longitudinal waves?
Examples of longitudinal waves include sound waves in air, compression waves along a slinky spring and ultrasound waves used in medical imaging. The Longitudinal vs. Transverse Waves notes cover this in full.
What is the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves?
In a transverse wave the particle or field oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of energy propagation, while in a longitudinal wave the particles oscillate parallel to it, producing compressions and rarefactions. The Longitudinal vs. Transverse Waves notes cover this in full.
What is a transverse wave?
A transverse wave is a wave in which the oscillation of particles, or of electric and magnetic fields, is perpendicular to the direction of energy propagation. The Longitudinal vs. Transverse Waves notes cover this in full.
What is the definition of wavelength?
Wavelength is the minimum distance between two points oscillating in phase, measured in metres. The Understanding Progressive Waves notes cover this in full.
What is a longitudinal wave?
A longitudinal wave is a wave in which particles oscillate parallel to the direction of energy propagation, producing compressions (regions of high pressure) and rarefactions (regions of low pressure). The Longitudinal vs. Transverse Waves notes cover this in full.