Waves Worksheet - GCSE - Intermediate

Waves worksheet for GCSE (Key Stage 4 / GCSE (Ages 14-16)). Intermediate level science practice, aligned to the UK National Curriculum. Print-ready with answer key included.

Science•Key Stage 4 / GCSE (Ages 14-16)•Wavesintermediate

14 views

GCSE Physics: Waves in Action

Key Stage 4 • Ages 14–16 • Intermediate

Name:

Date:

Score:

Instructions: Work through each activity, showing your method for calculations and using correct scientific terms. Use the wave speed equation where needed: wave speed = frequency × wavelength (v = fλ). Include units in your answers.

Transverse or Longitudinal?

Classify each wave as transverse or longitudinal. Then explain the key difference between the two types by comparing the direction of oscillation with the direction of energy transfer.

1. A wave travels along a rope; the rope moves up and down. Classify the wave.

2. Sound travels through air as particles vibrate back and forth along the direction the sound travels. Classify the wave.

3. Explain how the oscillations of a transverse wave compare with its direction of energy transfer.

4. Explain how the oscillations of a longitudinal wave compare with its direction of energy transfer.

Reading Wave Features

Use the descriptions to identify the wave quantities. Wavelength is the distance between matching points on adjacent waves, and frequency is the number of complete waves passing a point each second.

1. A transverse wave has a crest-to-crest distance of 0.80 m. What is its wavelength?

2. A sound wave completes 240 oscillations in 3.0 s. Calculate its frequency in hertz.

3. A longitudinal wave has compressions 0.50 m apart. What is its wavelength?

4. Explain what is meant by the amplitude of a wave.

Wave Speed Calculations

Use v = fλ, where v is wave speed in metres per second, f is frequency in hertz and λ is wavelength in metres. Rearrange the equation when necessary, show your working and include units.

1. A wave has a frequency of 5.0 Hz and a wavelength of 2.4 m. Calculate its speed.

2. A wave travels at 18 m/s and has a frequency of 6.0 Hz. Calculate its wavelength.

3. A wave travels at 340 m/s and has a wavelength of 0.85 m. Calculate its frequency.

4. A water wave has a frequency of 2.5 Hz and a wavelength of 1.2 m. Calculate its speed.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Use the word bank to complete each statement. The electromagnetic waves are listed in order of increasing frequency from radio waves to gamma rays. Each wave in a vacuum travels at the same speed.

Word bank: radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays

1. The electromagnetic wave with the lowest frequency is ___.

2. ___ are used to transmit signals to and from satellites.

3. The electromagnetic wave detected by the human eye is ___.

4. ___ have the highest frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum.

5. Arrange these waves in order of increasing frequency: infrared, X-rays, radio waves.

Electromagnetic Waves: Uses and Risks

Choose the best answer for each question. Consider how the wave’s properties make it suitable for a use, and distinguish useful applications from possible risks.

1. Which electromagnetic wave is commonly used in microwave ovens?

2. Which wave is used in medical imaging to show bones?

3. Which wave can cause skin cells to be damaged and increase the risk of skin cancer?

4. Which statement about electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is correct?

Explain and Apply

Answer using precise scientific vocabulary. For the explanation, refer to oscillations and energy transfer. For the calculation, show the equation, substitution and final answer with units.

1. Explain why sound waves cannot travel through a vacuum, whereas electromagnetic waves can. [4 marks]

2. A radio wave has a frequency of 1.2 × 10⁶ Hz. The speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is 3.0 × 10⁸ m/s. Calculate the wavelength of the radio wave. [3 marks]

Answer Key

Activity 1: 1. Transverse ; 2. Longitudinal ; 3. Oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer ; 4. Oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer

Activity 2: 1. 0.80 m ; 2. 80 Hz ; 3. 0.50 m ; 4. Maximum displacement from the undisturbed/rest position

Activity 3: 1. 12 m/s ; 2. 3.0 m ; 3. 400 Hz ; 4. 3.0 m/s

Activity 4: 1. Radio waves ; 2. Microwaves ; 3. Visible light ; 4. Gamma rays ; 5. Radio waves, infrared, X-rays

Activity 5: 1. Microwaves ; 2. X-rays ; 3. Ultraviolet ; 4. They all travel at the same speed

Activity 6: 1. Sound is a mechanical longitudinal wave that needs particles to vibrate and transfer energy; a vacuum has no particles. Electromagnetic waves are oscillations of electric and magnetic fields and do not need a material medium. 2. λ = v/f = (3.0 × 10⁸)/(1.2 × 10⁶) = 250 m