Combined Science GCSE
Wave speed
What Wave speed means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Wave speed
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Reference: AQA
A quantity that depends on both frequency and wavelength through v = f × λ, and is not the same as frequency.
Calculated using v = f λ after obtaining consistent values for frequency and wavelength, with correct units.
The speed v of a wave, measured in metres per second (m/s), linked to frequency and wavelength by v = f λ.
The speed at which the energy is transferred (or the wave moves) through the medium.
The distance a wave crest travels each second, measured in metres per second (m/s).
The distance a wave travels each second, measured in metres per second (m/s).
Topics that use Wave speed
- Properties of waves (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Amplitude
- Direct timing method
- displacement–distance graph
- Displacement–time graph
- Frequency
- Hertz
- Period
- reciprocal relationship
Using Wave speed in the exam
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