Physics GCSE
wavelength
What wavelength means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of wavelength
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Reference: OCR
The distance between two matching points on consecutive waves, such as from one crest to the next crest, measured in metres (m).
The distance from a point on one wave to the equivalent point on the adjacent wave, with symbol λ and unit the metre.
The distance between two matching points on consecutive waves, such as crest to crest, also in metres.
The distance from one compression to the next compression, or from one rarefaction to the next.
The distance from one point on a wave to the equivalent point on the next, also in metres.
Increases if the sound speeds up and decreases if it slows down, at constant frequency.
Topics that use wavelength
- Properties of waves (AQA GCSE)
- Transverse and longitudinal waves (AQA GCSE)
- Wave behaviour (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- amplitude
- compressions and rarefactions
- Frequency
- hertz
- longitudinal wave
- longitudinal waves
- period
- transverse wave
Using wavelength in the exam
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