Year Nine Physics GCSE

Physics, Year Nine

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Waves

The highest point of the wave is called a Peak or a Crest. The lowest point is called the trough. Wavelength, aka Lambda, is the distance between a point on one wave to the same point on the next wave. For example Peak to Peak. Units: Metres, CentimetresAmplitude: The distance between rest position and the peak or trough. Units: Metres, Centimetres

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Longitudinal and Transverse Waves

TransverseIn Transverse waves the vibrations are at right angles to the direction of travel and energy transfer.Light and other types of electromagnetic radiation are examples of transverse waves. All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed through a vacuum, eg. space.Water waves and S waves are also transverse waves.

LongitudinalIn longitudinal waves the vibrations are at the same direction as the direction of travel and energy transfer.Sound wave and waves in a stretched spring are also longitudinal waves. Longitudinal waves show areas of increased pressure (compression) and areas of reduced pressure (rarefaction).

Transverse wave diagram