A-Level Physics Revision — Waves
Revise Waves for A-Level Physics with a topic explanation, worked example and common mistakes. Check the board notes for specification differences.
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
- Check your course page and the topic board notes for supported specifications.
- Free plan
- Sign up free to use tutor paths and feedback on your answers. Free access is Free daily revision · No card required. Pricing
- What makes it different
- Syllabus-shaped practice and progress tracking—not generic AI answers.
This page includes a topic explanation and a worked example. Check your course for current practice coverage.
Next in this topic area
Next step: Optics
Continue in the same course — structured practice and explanations on StudyVector.
Go to OpticsTopic explanation
What 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 examples
Worked 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
Start with low-focus cards for Waves, then move into full exam-style practice when you want the heavier session.
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
Check the available question sets for Waves. Use your course and exam board to confirm which practice is relevant.
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 tutorSave your progress in Waves
Start a free account for low-focus question cards, feedback and Play routes across available topics. Free daily limits apply; no card required.
Continue your revision
A public question for Waves is still being reviewed. Your course page shows the topics currently available for practice.
Continue with Waves
Create a free account to keep your course choice and save your practice progress.
Start free low-focus cardsAlready have an account? Log in
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.