# A student is studying waves on the surface of water in a ripple tank. The student observes that the waves have a small amplitude and a high frequency. Explain what is meant by the terms amplitude and frequency, and describe how each of these features would appear to an observer watching the water surface.

> WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales) — 1.5 Features of waves · Explain · 4 marks

> Waves on the surface of water in a ripple tank can be used to study wave behaviour. The student notes that the waves appear to have a small amplitude and a high frequency.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a point on the wave from its rest (equilibrium) position
2. A small amplitude means the observer would see waves with low/small peaks and shallow/small troughs — the water surface barely rises or falls
3. Frequency is the number of complete waves (cycles) passing a given point per second
4. A high frequency means the observer would see waves passing very rapidly / the crests would arrive very close together in time / the waves would appear closely spaced

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" 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-student-is-studying-waves-on-bae3ec58) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.