# A wave travels along the surface of water in a ripple tank. Explain what is meant by the terms frequency, wavelength, and wave speed, and state the relationship between these three quantities.

> WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales) — 3.1 Wave properties · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Frequency is the number of complete waves (oscillations/cycles) passing a point per second
2. Wavelength is the distance between two successive identical points on a wave (e.g. crest to crest or trough to trough)
3. Wave speed is the distance travelled by the wave per second (or the speed at which the wave pattern moves through the medium)
4. Wave speed equals frequency multiplied by wavelength (v = fλ)
5. Correct use of the relationship to describe how the quantities are linked — e.g. if frequency increases and wave speed stays constant, wavelength decreases (or equivalent valid statement showing understanding of the relationship)

## Key terms

- [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 WJEC A-Level 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-wave-travels-along-the-surface-4aabfe31) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.