WJEC GCSE Physics
WJEC GCSE Physics 1.5 Features of Waves Exam Questions
Free WJEC GCSE Physics revision for 1.5 Features of Waves: what you need to know, common mistakes and exam-style questions with answers. Covers transverse and longitudinal waves, amplitude, wavelength, frequency, wave speed, reflection, refraction, the electromagnetic spectrum, ionising radiation and satellites.
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About WJEC GCSE Physics 1.5 Features of Waves
Features of waves in Unit 1 introduces the language and equations used for all waves. You need to distinguish transverse and longitudinal waves, define amplitude, wavelength and frequency, and use v = fλ and v = d / t. You must draw wavefront diagrams for reflection and refraction and explain how a change of speed changes the wavelength. The electromagnetic spectrum is covered in detail, including which regions are ionising and how each is used to transmit information, including via geostationary satellites. Investigating the speed of water waves is the specified practical. Examiners often combine wave equation calculations with questions on EM spectrum order and uses.
What you need to know
- Types of wave Transverse waves oscillate at right angles to the direction of energy transfer (e.g. light, water waves). Longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to it, with compressions and rarefactions (e.g. sound).
- Wave terms Amplitude is the maximum displacement from rest; wavelength is the distance between matching points on adjacent waves; frequency is the number of waves per second (Hz).
- Wave equations Wave speed = frequency x wavelength (v = fλ) and speed = distance / time (v = d / t). The specified practical measures the speed of water waves in a ripple tank.
- Reflection and refraction Draw wavefronts for reflection at a barrier and refraction at a boundary. When waves slow down, the wavelength decreases but the frequency stays the same; waves change direction if they meet the boundary at an angle.
- Electromagnetic spectrum In order of increasing frequency: radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays. All travel at the same speed in a vacuum. Ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays are ionising, as are radioactive emissions.
- Communication Radio waves, microwaves, infrared and visible light carry information. Geostationary satellites orbit above the equator once a day, so they stay above the same point and can relay microwave signals continuously.
Common mistakes in 1.5 Features of Waves
- Saying frequency changes when a wave is refracted. Frequency stays the same; speed and wavelength change.
- Measuring wavelength from a peak to the next trough. Wavelength is from one peak to the next peak (or any point to the matching point on the next wave).
- Listing the EM spectrum in the wrong order, e.g. putting X-rays before ultraviolet. Learn radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray, gamma.
- Measuring amplitude from peak to trough. Amplitude is from the rest position to a peak.
Try three 1.5 Features of Waves exam-style questions
1. A water wave has a frequency of 5 Hz and a wavelength of 0.2 m. Calculate its speed. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
v = fλ = 5 x 0.2; = 1 m/s.
2. Describe the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves, giving an example of each. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Transverse: oscillations perpendicular to direction of energy transfer, e.g. light / water waves; longitudinal: oscillations parallel to direction of energy transfer, e.g. sound.
3. Explain why geostationary satellites are useful for communications. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
They take 24 hours / one day to orbit; so stay above the same point on Earth, meaning dishes can point at them continuously.
1.5 Features of Waves FAQs
What does WJEC GCSE Physics 1.5 Features of Waves cover?
It covers transverse and longitudinal waves, amplitude, wavelength and frequency, wave speed equations, reflection and refraction with wavefronts, the electromagnetic spectrum, ionising radiation and satellite communication.
Which unit is Features of Waves examined in?
It is examined in Unit 1: Electricity, Energy and Waves, a 1 hour 45 minute written paper worth 45% of the GCSE, sat at foundation or higher tier. The Unit 3 practical assessment draws on the same practical skills.
How do I learn the electromagnetic spectrum?
Learn the order with a mnemonic, then add one use and one hazard for each region. Remember all EM waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum, 3 x 10^8 m/s.
