Wave Properties & Types
Describe waves in terms of amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and wave speed; distinguish transverse waves (oscillation perpendicular to direction of travel) from longitudinal waves (oscillation parallel); and use the wave equation v = fλ
Typical age: 11–12 years
“If your child was asked to describe a wave and how fast it travels, could they sketch one, label the wavelength and amplitude, and use the wave equation to work out speed from the frequency and wavelength?”
0 / 4 mastered
Explore graph
Needs first
- Waves & How They MoveREQUIRED
Wave properties and the wave equation build directly on the wave model (amplitude, wavelength, frequency) introduced in upper KS2/early secondary
- Wave Behaviour VocabularyREQUIRED
Describing waves in terms of amplitude, wavelength, and frequency requires these exact terms
- Vibrations & Sound
Vibrating materials producing sound is a concrete anchor for understanding wave motion
Unlocks next
- How Sound Waves TravelREQUIRED
Describing sound as a longitudinal pressure wave requires the general wave properties framework
- Waves & Different MaterialsREQUIRED
Wave interactions with materials (absorption, transmission, reflection) require the wave properties framework
- The Electromagnetic SpectrumREQUIRED
The electromagnetic spectrum is understood as a family of transverse waves — requires the general wave properties framework