Read a wave diagram
Amplitude is the maximum displacement from the rest position. Wavelength is the distance between matching points on adjacent waves. Frequency is the number of waves passing a point each second.
GCSE Physics resources
AQA GCSE Waves
AQA GCSE Waves Revision
A wave transfers energy without transferring matter overall. Use diagrams to keep amplitude, wavelength, frequency, speed and direction distinct.
Topic overview
Plan your waves revision
Use the resource cards below to revise one idea at a time. Each page includes worked examples, mini quizzes, practice questions, exam language and a visual or simulation when it adds learning value.
Knowledge map
How the topic fits together
Use this overview to find the part of the topic that needs attention; the focused guides below teach and assess each idea in depth.
Explain wave behaviour
Reflection changes direction at a boundary. Refraction changes speed and direction when a wave enters a different medium. Diffraction is the spreading of waves through a gap or around an obstacle.
Use the electromagnetic spectrum
All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum but have different frequencies and wavelengths. Higher-frequency radiation can transfer more energy and may be more hazardous.
Focused revision
Choose one idea at a time
Each guide combines explanation, a diagnostic check, misconception repair, worked examples and exam-style practice.
WA-08
Infrared Absorption and Emission Required Practical
Investigate how the infrared radiation absorbed or emitted by a surface depends on that surface. Keep surface area, distance, starting temperature and timing controlled, repeat readings and compare rate of temperature change or detector response.
WA-01
Wave Properties, Speed, Frequency and Wavelength
Use the wave equation v = fλ and label amplitude, wavelength, frequency and direction. A change in frequency at a fixed speed changes wavelength, while amplitude describes energy transfer rather than spacing.
WA-02
Reflection, Refraction and Diffraction
Reflection sends a wave back. Refraction occurs when speed changes in a new medium. Diffraction is strongest when the gap size is similar to the wavelength and spreading increases around narrower gaps.
WA-03
Sound, Ultrasound and the Ear
Sound is longitudinal and needs particles to transfer vibrations. Ultrasound has a frequency above the human hearing range and can be used for imaging and cleaning because it reflects at boundaries or transfers energy.
WA-04
Electromagnetic Spectrum: Uses and Risks
From radio to gamma, frequency increases and wavelength decreases. Use the energy and penetration of each band to explain communication, imaging, heating or risk, not just list examples.
WA-05
Light, Lenses, Image Formation and the Eye
Use principal rays through a converging lens to locate the image. A ray parallel to the principal axis refracts through the focal point; a ray through the optical centre continues approximately straight.
WA-06
Waves Required Practical
Measure frequency and wavelength using a ripple tank, string or sound setup, then calculate speed. Repeat measurements, use a clear scale and explain how reflections or parallax could affect the result.
WA-07
Light Required Practical
Use a ray box or narrow beam, mark the incident and refracted rays, draw the normal and measure angles. Keep the block shape and ray position controlled when comparing angles.
Across every topic
Build the exam skills around the physics
AQA GCSE Physics Required PracticalsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.GCSE Physics Equations and Maths SkillsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.How to Answer GCSE Physics Calculation QuestionsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.How to Answer GCSE Physics Six-Mark QuestionsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.GCSE Physics Graph SkillsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.
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