# Explain what happens to a wave when it passes from deep water into shallow water, in terms of wave speed, wavelength, and direction of travel.

> OCR GCSE Physics A: Gateway Science (J249) — P4.1 Wave behaviour · Explain · 4 marks

> Ocean waves travelling from the open sea towards a beach gradually move into shallower water. Surfers notice that the waves slow down and change direction as they approach the shore at an angle.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The wave speed decreases as the wave enters the shallower water
2. The wavelength decreases as the wave slows down
3. The frequency of the wave remains the same / does not change
4. The wave changes direction / bends towards the normal as it enters the shallower water (refraction)

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Physics A: Gateway Science (J249)](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/explain-what-happens-to-a-wave-c27ef915) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.