| English | Wave |
|---|---|
| Bahasa Melayu | Gelombang |
| 中文 | 波 |
Definition
A disturbance that transfers energy from one point to another without transferring matter.
In exam terms
A wave is a disturbance (a vibration or oscillation) that travels through a medium or through space and transfers energy from one point to another without transferring matter. The particles of the medium only oscillate about their fixed equilibrium positions; they do not move along with the wave.
A wave is described by its amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period, and its speed is given by v = fλ, where v is speed in m s⁻¹, f is frequency in hertz (Hz) and λ is wavelength in metres (m). Example of correct use: a water wave carries energy across the pond, but a floating leaf only bobs up and down as the wave passes.
Do not confuse it with…
Do not confuse a wave with the movement of matter: a wave carries energy, but the particles of the medium stay in the same average place. Also distinguish mechanical waves (such as sound and water waves, which need a medium) from electromagnetic waves (such as light, which can travel through a vacuum).
In Paper 2 this is usually asked as state what is meant by a wave or explain how a wave transfers energy. A full answer must say that energy is transferred without the transfer of matter, which is the key marking point.
Source: DSKP KSSM Physics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English) (Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), KPM)