HighMarks

Wave properties — KCSE Physics

KCSE Physics · 132 practice questions · 9 syllabus objectives

42 easy42 medium48 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Distinguish between progressive and stationary waves and state conditions for standing wave formation

Define wavelength, frequency, amplitude, period and wave speed; write the wave equation v = fλ

Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves and give examples of each

Apply v = fλ to calculate wave speed, frequency or wavelength from given data

Define a wave and explain how waves transfer energy without transferring matter

Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves, giving examples and sketching diagrams

Define wavelength, amplitude, frequency, period and derive/apply the wave equation v = fλ

Read wave parameters from displacement-distance and displacement-time graphs and sketch modified waveforms

Wave properties

Sample Questions

Try 3 questions free. Sign up to access all 132 questions with full marking schemes.

1
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

State the definitions of the following wave properties and their SI units: (a) wavelength (1 mark), (b) frequency (1 mark), (c) amplitude (1 mark), (d) period (1 mark).

View Marking Scheme
Part (a) — 2 marks
Wavelength (λ) is the distance between two successive crests or troughs; SI unit: metre (m) (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
Frequency (f) is the number of cycles per second; SI unit: hertz (Hz) (1 mk)
Part (c) — 2 marks
Amplitude (A) is the maximum displacement from the rest position; SI unit: metre (m) (1 mk)
Part (d) — 2 marks
Period (T) is the time taken to complete one full cycle; SI unit: second (s) (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

State the differences between transverse and longitudinal waves in terms of particle movement. (4 marks)

View Marking Scheme
Part (a) — 4 marks
In transverse waves, particles move at right angles to the direction of wave propagation (1 mk)
In longitudinal waves, particles move parallel to the direction of wave propagation (1 mk)
Transverse waves can be seen in water and electromagnetic waves (1 mk)
Longitudinal waves can be observed in sound waves and compressions in a slinky (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

A sound wave travels through air with a frequency of 440 Hz and a wavelength of 0.78 m. Calculate the speed of the sound wave using the formula v = fλ. (3 marks)

View Marking Scheme
Part (a) — 3 marks
Wave speed (v) is calculated as v = f × λ (1 mk)
Substituting values: v = 440 Hz × 0.78 m (1 mk)
The calculated wave speed is 343.2 m/s (1 mk)
4

Identify the main differences between transverse and longitudinal waves and provide one example for each type. (4 marks)

+129 More Questions

Sign up free to access all 132 questions with marking schemes, track your progress, and get personalised recommendations.

Why Practise Wave properties?

KNEC Aligned

Questions match the KCSE syllabus objectives and exam format exactly.

Detailed Marking Schemes

Every answer shows exactly what examiners award marks for.

Track Your Mastery

See your score improve as you practise and identify remaining gaps.

Master Wave properties for KCSE

Sign up free to unlock all 132 questions, track your progress, and get a personalised study plan for Physics.