# Describe the features of a wave, including what is meant by amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and the wave speed equation.

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

> Waves transfer energy from one place to another without transferring matter. All waves share a set of measurable features that describe their behaviour.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a point on the wave from its undisturbed (rest/equilibrium) position
2. Wavelength is the distance between two successive points that are in phase (e.g. crest to crest or trough to trough)
3. Frequency is the number of complete waves (cycles) passing a point per second, measured in hertz (Hz)
4. Wave speed equals frequency multiplied by wavelength (v = f × λ), so a higher frequency or longer wavelength gives a greater wave speed

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales)](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)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-features-of-a-wave-e2d02dc8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.