transmission
What transmission means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of transmission
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain transmission in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Some electromagnetic waves pass through materials, such as microwaves passing easily through the atmosphere to reach satellites or X-rays passing through flesh.
Lets the wave pass into the second material at the boundary, often with a change of speed and direction, as sound travels from water into the hull of a boat.
The passing of certain wavelengths and colour through a colour filter, which lets through the wavelengths of its own colour.
When a wave meets a boundary it can carry on into the second material, usually with a change of speed and direction.
Lets part of the wave through into the second material, often with a change of speed and direction.
The process by which light passes through an object, which may be transparent or translucent.
Topics that use transmission
- Reflection of waves (physics only) (AQA GCSE)
- Uses and applications of electromagnetic waves (AQA GCSE)
- Visible light (physics only) (AQA GCSE)
- Wave behaviour (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- absorption
- law of reflection
- Reflection
- specular reflection
- ageing
- amplitude
- audible range
- Calculations with powers of ten
Using transmission in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge