GCSE Physics
Waves
Waves is a core strand in Physics. Work through the topics below in any order, or follow your course — each guide includes explanations, common mistakes and exam-style practice.
Topic guides
Wave Properties (GCSE)
Waves are vibrations that transfer energy from one place to another without transferring matter.
Open guideTransverse & Longitudinal Waves
Waves can be classified as either transverse or longitudinal.
Open guideWave 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, rearra
Open guideReflection & Refraction
Reflection is when a wave bounces off a surface.
Open guideSound Waves
Sound waves are longitudinal waves caused by vibrations.
Open guideElectromagnetic Spectrum (GCSE)
Electromagnetic Spectrum questions become much easier when you revise the waves as one ordered family instead of seven disconnected facts.
Open guideBlack Body Radiation
A black body is a theoretical object that absorbs all radiation that falls on it.
Open guideLenses & Images
Lenses are curved pieces of glass or plastic that refract light to form an image.
Open guide
Revision strategy
Students often slip on the details explained in our guides — read the “common mistakes” section in each topic.
- Alternate between reading a guide and doing timed questions — don’t only re-read notes.
- Return to this hub anytime; new guides appear automatically as we publish them.