Types of waves

Start with the wave types

This page is one section of the Waves unit in Physics. A useful starting point is the flashcard deck Introduction to Waves. It asks what a wave is, what a medium is and what the main types of waves are. Use the questions to check what you already know before looking at a mind map.

The Waves - Physics mind map brings progressive, mechanical and electromagnetic waves together with transverse and longitudinal waves. It compares the direction of oscillation with the direction of wave propagation, giving you a way to organize the terms from the flashcards.

Compare and practice

Several mind maps called Waves compare transverse and longitudinal waves. One describes oscillations as perpendicular or parallel to the direction of energy transfer. Another includes compression and rarefaction in longitudinal waves. Use these descriptions to practice explaining the difference in your own words.

Then try the Waves quiz, which asks about waves and energy transfer. Return to a mind map after the quiz and check any terms you found difficult. The GCSE Physics flashcards also ask for examples of transverse and longitudinal waves, so they offer another way to practice the distinction.

Connect your study across Waves

Alongside wave types, the listed resources include questions about media and energy transfer. One mind map also brings wave speed, frequency and wavelength into the same overview. These resources let you connect the comparison of wave types to other material in the Waves unit, without losing sight of the terms you started with.

Choose a map, then follow it with a quiz or a set of flashcards.