The wave equation
I can describe how the frequency of a wave moving through a particular medium is related to its wavelength.
- Year 10
- AQA
The wave equation
I can describe how the frequency of a wave moving through a particular medium is related to its wavelength.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The speed of a wave depends on the medium it is travelling through
- The speed of a wave does not depend on its frequency
- For a given wave speed, the higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength
- For a given wave speed, the longer the wavelength, the lower the frequency
- Wave speed = frequency x wavelength
Keywords
Wave equation - wave speed = frequency × wavelength (v = f x λ)
Wave speed - the speed of a wave in a particular medium (material)
Frequency - the number of waves produced each second. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz)
Wavelength - the distance between one wave crest (or trough) and the next
Lambda - (λ) the symbol used for the wavelength of a wave
Common misconception
In, v = f x λ, speed is dependent on frequency and wavelength, rather than the medium.
Focus on speed being property of a medium and equation not being as an equation with three interdependent variables.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The figure shows the displacement-time graph for a wave. Which of these correctly describe the features of this wave?
Q2.A student wants to measure the speed of a wave in a spring. Which quantities do they need to measure to calculate the speed?
Q3.Waves can be produced in a rope by shaking one end up and down. Match the changes to their effects on the wave in the rope.
Q4.An oscilloscope and microphone are used to display the waveform for a sound wave. What will happen to the waveform if the frequency of the sound wave is increased?
Q5.On a pond, a ripple travels 0.30 m in 0.40 s. What is the speed of the wave?
Q6.Sound waves travel at 330 m/s in air. How long will it take a sound wave to travel 5.0 km?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these does the speed of a wave moving through a medium depend on?
Q2.Match the wave quantity to the correct symbol.
