What this topic covers
Waves has 3 subtopics:
- Waves in air, fluids and solids
- Electromagnetic waves
- Black body radiation (physics only)
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GCSE AQA Foundation Physics · Topic 6 of 9
Waves – GCSE AQA Foundation Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. Waves covers Waves in air, fluids and solids, Electromagnetic waves, and Black body radiation (physics only) in GCSE AQA Foundation Physics. 15 lessons in 3 subtopics.
Revise Waves for GCSE AQA Foundation Physics, including Waves in air, fluids and solids, Electromagnetic waves, and Black body radiation (physics only).
15
Lessons
3
Subtopics
Waves lessons by subtopic
15 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
Waves in air, fluids and solids
- Wave Characteristics: Amplitude, Wavelength & Frequency
- Measuring Wave Speed: Sound and Water
- Wave Equation & Changing Mediums
- Reflection, Absorption, and Transmission of Waves
- Ray Diagrams and Wave Reflection
- Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves
- Waves Transfer Energy, Not Matter
Electromagnetic waves
- Visible Light: Absorption, Reflection, and Transmission
- Colour Filters & Wavelengths
- Convex and Concave Lenses
- Ray Diagrams
- Magnification
- Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Black body radiation (physics only)
More in this course
Go back to the full GCSE AQA Foundation Physics topic list, or practise this topic with past-paper questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Waves?
Waves covers Waves in air, fluids and solids, Electromagnetic waves, and Black body radiation (physics only) in GCSE AQA Foundation Physics. 15 lessons in 3 subtopics.
What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?
In a transverse wave, particles vibrate perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of energy transfer, as in water ripples. The Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves notes cover this in full.
What is the magnification equation?
The magnification equation is magnification = image height ÷ object height. The Magnification notes cover this in full.
What are examples of transverse waves?
Examples of transverse waves include ripples on a water surface, light waves and a wave on a rope flicked up and down. The Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves notes cover this in full.
What is the wave equation?
The wave equation is v = fλ: wave speed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) × wavelength (m). The Wave Equation & Changing Mediums notes cover this in full.
What are the wavelengths of visible light?
Visible light has wavelengths from approximately 400nm (violet) to 700nm (red). The Colour Filters & Wavelengths notes cover this in full.
What is the wavelength range of visible light?
Visible light ranges from red, with a wavelength of about 700 nanometres, to violet, with a wavelength of about 400 nanometres. The The Electromagnetic Spectrum notes cover this in full.
How do you calculate magnification?
To calculate magnification, divide the image height by the object height using the same units. The Magnification notes cover this in full.
What is the amplitude of a wave?
The amplitude of a wave is the maximum displacement of a point on the wave away from its undisturbed position. The Wave Characteristics: Amplitude, Wavelength & Frequency notes cover this in full.