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Wave Speed - GCSE Physics Definition

Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll

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Wave speed is how fast a wave travels through a medium, like air, water, or a solid, and is generally measured in metres per second (m/s). Different types of waves, like sound waves or light waves, travel at different speeds depending on the medium they move through. It can be calculated using the formula:

w a v e space s p e e d space equals space f r e q u e n c y space cross times w a v e l e n g t h

  • Frequency is the number of waves that pass a certain point every second, measured in hertz (Hz)

  • Wavelength is the distance between one peak of a wave and the next, measured in metres (m)

In simple terms, wave speed tells us how quickly the energy carried by the wave moves from one place to another.

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Caroline Carroll

Reviewer: Caroline Carroll

Expertise: Physics & Chemistry Subject Lead

Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about creating high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.

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