Wave Speed Equation — GCSE Physics Revision
Revise Wave Speed Equation for GCSE Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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- Wave Speed Equation in GCSE Physics: explanation, examples, and practice links on this page.
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Next step: Reflection & Refraction
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Go to Reflection & RefractionWhat is Wave Speed Equation?
Wave Speed Equation is one of the cleanest Physics topics to improve because the method is stable: identify the two known quantities, write v = f lambda, rearrange only if needed, and finish with units. Most lost marks come from symbol confusion or from mixing frequency and time period rather than from not knowing the topic at all.
Board notes: AQA, Edexcel and OCR all test the same Physics core here, but the exact equation sheet use, practical framing, and tiered difficulty can vary by board.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
If a wave travels at 340 m/s with frequency 170 Hz, start with v = f lambda. Rearrange to lambda = v / f, then substitute 340 / 170 = 2.0 m. The important step is writing the rearranged equation before substituting values.
Practise this topic
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Targeted practice plan
- 1Write the core equation or rule for Wave Speed Equation, then identify exactly what each symbol means before substituting values.
- 2Do one graph, circuit, or calculation question and mark where units, direction, or sign could have been lost.
- 3Redo the question without notes, keeping every method line visible so the physics and the maths stay connected.
Common mistakes
- 1Rearranging the equation incorrectly when wavelength is the unknown.
- 2Forgetting the unit of wavelength should be metres.
- 3Mixing up frequency and time period in a multi-step question.
Wave Speed Equation exam questions
Exam-style questions for Wave Speed Equation with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Wave Speed Equation
Core concept
Wave Speed Equation is one of the cleanest Physics topics to improve because the method is stable: identify the two known quantities, write v = f lambda, rearrange only if needed, and finish with unit…
Frequently asked questions
What is the wave speed equation?
Wave speed = frequency x wavelength. In symbols, v = f lambda.
Why do wave speed questions still go wrong?
Usually because the equation is remembered but the student skips the rearrangement or forgets to label the units clearly.