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Waves and the particle nature of light
Quick questions on Wave basics: types, the wave equation, phase and polarisation - Edexcel A-Level Physics
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is describing a wave?Show answer
The amplitude of a wave determines its intensity: intensity is proportional to the square of the amplitude. Frequency is set by the source and does not change when the wave moves into a new medium, even though the speed and wavelength do.
What is the wave equation?Show answer
This single equation links the three core wave quantities and is used constantly. It follows directly from the definition of speed: in one period the wave moves forward one wavelength.
What is q1?Show answer
State the wave equation. [1 mark]
What is q2?Show answer
A radio wave has frequency Hz and travels at m per second. Find its wavelength. [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Explain why sound cannot be polarised. [2 marks]
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