# A lifeguard at a swimming pool notices that water waves are spreading out from a child splashing in the water. Describe the properties of these water waves, including what is meant by amplitude, frequency, and wavelength, and state the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength.

> Eduqas A-Level Physics — 3.1 Wave properties · Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a point on the wave from its undisturbed/rest/equilibrium position
2. Frequency is the number of complete waves (cycles) passing a point per second
3. Wavelength is the distance between two successive/adjacent points in phase on the wave (e.g. crest to crest or trough to trough)
4. Wave speed = frequency × wavelength (v = fλ)
5. The water waves are transverse waves, meaning the displacement of the water is perpendicular/at right angles to the direction of wave travel/energy transfer

## Key terms

- [amplitude](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/amplitude)
- [frequency](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/frequency)
- [wavelength](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/wavelength)
- [wave speed](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/wave-speed)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-lifeguard-at-a-swimming-pool-6a0aabe8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.