Waves: Exam Practice

This lesson brings together all the key topics from the AQA GCSE Physics Waves chapter (4.6) and provides structured exam practice with worked examples, common question types, and strategies for maximising your marks. Use this lesson to consolidate your knowledge and practise applying it under exam conditions.

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Key Equations to Remember

You must know these equations for the exam. Some are on the equation sheet; others must be memorised.

Equation	What It Links	On Equation Sheet?
v = f x lambda	Wave speed, frequency, wavelength	Yes
T = 1 / f	Period and frequency	Yes
v = s / t	Speed, distance, time	Yes

Using the Wave Equation

For every calculation question involving waves, follow these steps:

1. Write the equation.
2. Substitute the values (with correct units).
3. Calculate the answer.
4. State the answer with the correct unit.

Exam Tip: Even if you make an arithmetic error, you can still earn marks for writing the correct equation and substituting the values correctly. Always show your working — never just write the answer.

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