Waves — A-Level Physics Revision
Revise Waves for A-Level Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR.
At a glance
- What StudyVector is
- An exam-practice platform with board-aligned questions, explanations, and adaptive next steps.
- This topic
- Waves in A-Level Physics: explanation, examples, and practice links on this page.
- Who it’s for
- Students revising A-Level Physics for UK exams.
- Exam boards
- Practice is aligned to major specifications (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP).
- Free plan
- Sign up free to use tutor paths and full feedback on your answers. Pricing
- What makes it different
- Syllabus-shaped practice and progress tracking—not generic AI answers.
Topic has curated content entry with explanation, mistakes, and worked example. [auto-gate:promote; score=75.25]
Next in this topic area
Next step: Optics
Continue in the same course — structured practice and explanations on StudyVector.
Go to OpticsWhat is Waves?
This topic covers the fundamental properties and behaviours of waves, including the distinction between transverse and longitudinal waves. Key concepts include reflection, refraction, diffraction, and polarisation. You will also study the principle of superposition, which leads to the phenomena of interference and the formation of stationary waves.
Board notes: All A-Level boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) cover the core principles of waves. The mathematical treatment of diffraction gratings and the specific applications of polarisation can vary. Edexcel tends to have a greater focus on the mathematical aspects of wave phenomena.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
A wave travels at 300 m/s with a frequency of 500 Hz. To find its wavelength, use the wave speed equation: v = fλ. Rearranging for wavelength (λ), we get λ = v / f. So, λ = 300 m/s / 500 Hz = 0.6 m. The wavelength of the wave is 0.6 m.
Practise this topic
Jump into adaptive, exam-style questions for Waves. Free to start; sign in to save progress.
Common mistakes
- 1Confusing diffraction and refraction. Refraction is the change in direction of a wave as it passes from one medium to another, while diffraction is the spreading out of a wave as it passes through a gap or around an obstacle.
- 2Forgetting that polarisation is a property of transverse waves only. Longitudinal waves, like sound, cannot be polarised because their oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
- 3Incorrectly identifying nodes and antinodes on a stationary wave. Nodes are points of zero amplitude (no displacement), while antinodes are points of maximum amplitude.
Waves exam questions
Exam-style questions for Waves with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR specifications.
Waves exam questionsGet help with Waves
Get a personalised explanation for Waves from the StudyVector tutor. Ask follow-up questions and work through problems with step-by-step support.
Open tutorFree full access to Waves
Sign up in 30 seconds to unlock step-by-step explanations, exam-style practice, instant feedback and on-demand coaching — completely free, no card required.
Try a practice question
Unlock Waves practice questions
Get instant feedback, step-by-step help and exam-style practice — free, no card needed.
Start Free — No Card NeededAlready have an account? Log in
Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Waves
Core concept
This topic covers the fundamental properties and behaviours of waves, including the distinction between transverse and longitudinal waves. Key concepts include reflection, refraction, diffraction, and…
Frequently asked questions
What is the principle of superposition?
The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves of the same type meet at a point, the resultant displacement is the vector sum of the individual displacements of each wave.
What are coherent sources?
Coherent sources are sources of waves that have a constant phase difference between them and have the same frequency. This is a necessary condition for a stable interference pattern to be observed.