Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 1PH0 · Version from Sept 2016
Use the terms amplitude, period, wave velocity and wavefront as applied to…
Full specification wording
Topic 4 – Waves: 4.4 Use the terms amplitude, period, wave velocity and wavefront as applied to waves
This criterion asks you to apply four wave terms correctly to a described wave or diagram.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1PH0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 15
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This criterion asks you to apply four wave terms correctly to a described wave or diagram. Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a point from its rest position, measured from the centre line to a crest or trough, not crest-to-trough. Period is the time for one complete oscillation, so a wave of frequency 5 Hz has a period of 0.2 s because period = 1 ÷ frequency. Wave velocity is the speed at which energy travels and equals frequency × wavelength. A wavefront is a line joining points on a wave that are in the same phase, such as adjacent crests, and it is drawn perpendicular to the direction of travel. In a multiple-choice question, match each option to the definition and to the units given, then eliminate options that confuse amplitude with wavelength or period with frequency.
What earns the marks
- Selects amplitude as the maximum displacement from the rest position, measured from the centre line to a crest or trough.
- Identifies period as the time taken for one complete oscillation and applies period = 1 ÷ frequency.
- Calculates wave velocity as frequency × wavelength and attaches the correct unit, such as m/s.
- Recognises a wavefront as a line joining points in the same phase, drawn perpendicular to the direction of travel.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Measures amplitude from crest to trough.
Put it right: Measure it from the centre line to a crest or trough instead.
Confuses period with frequency.
Put it right: Period is the reciprocal of frequency, so 5 Hz gives 0.2 s.
Treats a wavefront as the direction of travel.
Put it right: Draw it perpendicular to the direction of travel instead.
Exam tips
- Read each option against the exact definition before choosing, since distractors often swap amplitude and wavelength.
- Check units in each option: period is in seconds, frequency in hertz, velocity in metres per second.
- Sketch the wave and mark the centre line, one crest and one wavefront to test each option quickly.
Try the lesson
The start of the Topic 4 – Waves: 4.4 Use the terms amplitude, period, wave velocity and wavefront as applied to waves lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In a ripple tank, a series of parallel straight ripples move across the water. What does each straight ripple line represent?
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