Describing waves
3 marks · EasyThe diagram below shows a wave.
Label the amplitude and the wavelength on the diagram.
State what is meant by 'amplitude'.
State what is meant by 'wavelength'.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
(a) Amplitude and wavelength correctly labelled on respective lines. · must show Amplitude label from rest to peak, Wavelength crest to next crest or similar
(b) The maximum displacement from the resting position.
(c) The distance between two corresponding points on consecutive waves.
Must show: Amplitude and wavelength labelled on the diagram for (a)
Common mistakes: Mixing up amplitude and wavelength
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Amplitude and wavelength correctly labelled on diagram.
B1 (b) · 1 mark · States amplitude is the maximum displacement from rest position.
B1 (c) · 1 mark · Defines wavelength as distance between two corresponding points on consecutive waves.
Worked solution
a) Amplitude should be labelled from the centre to a crest, and wavelength as the distance between two crests or two identical points on the diagram.
b) Amplitude: The maximum displacement from the resting position.
c) Wavelength: The distance between one point on a wave and the same point on the next wave.