Wavelength - GCSE Physics Definition
Reviewed by: Leander Oates
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What is wavelength?
In GCSE physics, wavelength is a property of a wave that describes the distance between one point on a wave to the same point on the next wave. Wavelength can be measured from any point on the wave, as long as the same point is used on the following wave.
In a transverse wave, wavelength can be measured from peak to peak or from trough to trough. In a longitudinal wave, wavelength can be measured from the centre of one compression (or rarefaction) to the centre of the next.

The wavelength of a wave can be calculated using the wave equation in the following form:
Where:
= wavelength, measured in metres (m)
v = wave speed, measured in metres per second (m/s)
f = frequency, measured in hertz (Hz)
The wavelength of a wave is inversely proportional to the frequency of the wave.
Therefore, the longer the wavelength, the lower the frequency, and the shorter the wavelength, the higher the frequency.

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