Seneca
  • For Students
  • For Teachers
  • For Parents
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • International
    • Maths
    • Teacher CPD
    • Blog
    • Revision Notes
    • Resource Hub
    • Help centre
Join classLoginSign up
  • For Students
  • For Teachers
  • For Parents
  • For Schools
    • Primary
    • Secondary
    • International
  • Resources
    • Maths
    • Teacher CPD
    • Blog
    • Revision Notes
    • Resource Hub
    • Help centre
  • Join class
  • Login
  1. Revision notes
  2. GCSE
  3. Physics
  4. AQA
  5. Higher
  6. Sound Waves

Sound Waves

Physics: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 6.3.1

Sound Waves

Sound waves are longitudinal waves. Pingu is able to hear the music in his headphones because his eardrum vibrates.

Pingu's headphones

Test yourself on Sound Waves

  • In the context of sound waves, a medium is...

Practise this topic for free
Previous topic6.2.7 Required Practical - Reflection and RefractionNext topic6.3.2 Sound Waves & our Ears

Physics: AQA GCSE Higher contents

  1. 1 Energy

    • 1.1 Energy Changes

      • 1.1.1 Energy Stores
      • 1.1.2 Energy Storing
      • 1.1.3 Internal Energy
      • 1.1.4 Kinetic Energy Storage
      • 1.1.5 Gravitational Potential Energy Storage
      • 1.1.6 Elastic Potential Energy Storage
      • 1.1.7 Calculating Changes in Energy
      • 1.1.8 Changes in Kinetic Energy - Calculations
      • 1.1.9 Changes in GPE - Calculations
      • 1.1.10 Changes in EPE - Calculations
      • 1.1.11 Energy Transfers
      • 1.1.12 Energy Transfer Examples
      • 1.1.13 Conservation of Energy
      • 1.1.14 Mechanical Work - Calculations
      • 1.1.15 Mechanical Work Done
      • 1.1.16 Mechanical Work Done Equation
      • 1.1.17 Electrical Work Done
      • 1.1.18 Power
      • 1.1.19 Electrical Work Done- Calculations
      • 1.1.20 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Stationary Objects
    • 1.2 Energy Losses & Efficiency

      • 1.2.1 Energy Wastage
      • 1.2.2 Energy Efficiency
      • 1.2.3 Reducing Energy Loss
      • 1.2.4 Power & Energy Transfer
      • 1.2.5 Required Practical - Investigating Insulation
      • 1.2.6 Efficiency - Calculations
      • 1.2.7 Grade 9 - Energy & Efficiency
    • 1.3 Energy Resources

      • 1.3.1 Energy Resources
      • 1.3.2 Fossil Fuels
      • 1.3.3 Geothermal Energy
      • 1.3.4 Wind Energy
      • 1.3.5 Water Energy
      • 1.3.6 Tidal Energy
      • 1.3.7 Nuclear Energy
      • 1.3.8 Solar Energy
      • 1.3.9 Original Source of Energy
      • 1.3.10 Non-Renewable & Renewable Resources
      • 1.3.11 Uses of Energy Sources
      • 1.3.12 Changing Electricity Use
      • 1.3.13 Renewable Energy
      • 1.3.14 Limits to Renewable Energy Resources
      • 1.3.15 End of Topic Test - Energy
      • 1.3.16 Exam-Style Questions - Energy
  2. 2 Electricity

    • 2.1 Electric Charge

      • 2.1.1 Circuit Diagrams
      • 2.1.2 Circuit Symbols
      • 2.1.3 Current
      • 2.1.4 Current Equation
      • 2.1.5 Current - Calculations
      • 2.1.6 Conductors
      • 2.1.7 Electrical Conductors - Electrons
      • 2.1.8 Potential Difference
      • 2.1.9 Voltage Equation
      • 2.1.10 Measurements in Circuit
      • 2.1.11 Voltage - Calculations
      • 2.1.12 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Powering a Circuit
    • 2.2 Resistance & Electrical Work

      • 2.2.1 Resistance
      • 2.2.2 Measuring Resistance
      • 2.2.3 Resistance Graph
      • 2.2.4 Diodes
      • 2.2.5 LDRs & Thermistors
      • 2.2.6 Electrical Work
      • 2.2.7 Power
      • 2.2.8 Ohm's Law
      • 2.2.9 Ohm's Law - Equation
      • 2.2.10 Resistance & Ohms Law - Calculations
      • 2.2.11 Electrical Work - Calculations
      • 2.2.12 Required Practical - Investigating Resistance
    • 2.3 Electric Circuits

      • 2.3.1 Series Circuits
      • 2.3.2 Resistors
      • 2.3.3 Required Practical - I–V Characteristics
      • 2.3.4 Cells in Series
      • 2.3.5 Series Circuits - Calculations
      • 2.3.6 Parallel Circuits
      • 2.3.7 Parallel Current
      • 2.3.8 Parallel Resistance
      • 2.3.9 Lights in Parallel
      • 2.3.10 Parallel Circuits - Calculations
      • 2.3.11 Grade 9 - Circuits
      • 2.3.12 Exam-Style Questions - Electricity
    • 2.4 Electricity in Homes

      • 2.4.1 AC/DC
      • 2.4.2 Mains Electricity
      • 2.4.3 Power Ratings
      • 2.4.4 National Grid
      • 2.4.5 Domestic Uses - Calculations
      • 2.4.6 Fuses & Circuit Breakers
      • 2.4.7 Fuse Ratings
      • 2.4.8 Earthing
      • 2.4.9 Dangers of the Live Wire
      • 2.4.10 End of Topic Test - Electricity
    • 2.5 Static Electricity

      • 2.5.1 Electrical Charge
      • 2.5.2 Charging an Object
      • 2.5.3 Charged Objects
      • 2.5.4 Static Electricity
      • 2.5.5 Electric Fields
      • 2.5.6 Field Diagrams
  3. 3 Particle Model of Matter

    • 3.1 States of Matter

      • 3.1.1 Atomic Model
      • 3.1.2 Atomic Structure
      • 3.1.3 Sub-Atomic Particles
      • 3.1.4 Models of the Atom
      • 3.1.5 Alpha Particles
      • 3.1.6 Electron Arrangements
      • 3.1.7 Density
      • 3.1.8 Density Equation
      • 3.1.9 Density & the Particle Model
      • 3.1.10 Density - Calculations
      • 3.1.11 Changes of State
      • 3.1.12 Melting & Boiling
      • 3.1.13 Exam-Style Questions - Density
      • 3.1.14 Required Practical - Density
      • 3.1.15 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Floating
      • 3.1.16 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Volume
    • 3.2 Heat

      • 3.2.1 Internal Energy
      • 3.2.2 Change in Thermal Energy
      • 3.2.3 Required Practical - Specific Heat Capacity
      • 3.2.4 Equation for Heat Capacity
      • 3.2.5 Leslie's Cube
      • 3.2.6 Internal Energy - Calculations
      • 3.2.7 Melting & Boiling
      • 3.2.8 Latent Heat
      • 3.2.9 Energy Change for Change of State
      • 3.2.10 Latent Heat - Calculations
      • 3.2.11 Specific Latent Heat of Fusion
      • 3.2.12 Specific Latent Heat of Vaporisation
    • 3.3 Particle Motion in Gases

      • 3.3.1 States of Matter
      • 3.3.2 Properties of Gases
      • 3.3.3 Temperature Increase in a Gas
      • 3.3.4 Work Done on a Gas
      • 3.3.5 End of Topic Test - Particle Model of Matter
      • 3.3.6 Grade 9 - Particle Model of Matter
      • 3.3.7 Exam-Style Questions - Specific Heat Capacity
  4. 4 Atoms & Radiation

    • 4.1 Atoms

      • 4.1.1 Atomic Model
      • 4.1.2 Structure of an Atom
      • 4.1.3 Sub-Atomic Particles
      • 4.1.4 Alpha Particles
      • 4.1.5 The Model of the Atom
      • 4.1.6 Electron Arrangements
      • 4.1.7 Proton & Nucleon Numbers
      • 4.1.8 Atoms & Ions
      • 4.1.9 Isotopes 1
      • 4.1.10 Isotopes 2
      • 4.1.11 Carbon Nuclides
      • 4.1.12 Exam-Style Questions - Atomic Structure
      • 4.1.13 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Types of Radiation
    • 4.2 Radiation

      • 4.2.1 Radioactivity
      • 4.2.2 Types of Radiation
      • 4.2.3 Detection of Radiation
      • 4.2.4 Background Radiation
      • 4.2.5 Types of Radioactive Emission
      • 4.2.6 Ionising vs Penetration
      • 4.2.7 Practical Applications of Radiation
      • 4.2.8 Nuclear Fission
      • 4.2.9 Nuclear Fission 2
      • 4.2.10 Nuclear Fusion
      • 4.2.11 Radioactive Decay
      • 4.2.12 Radioactive Decay Equations
      • 4.2.13 Radioactive Decay Equations - Calculations
      • 4.2.14 Radioactive Decay
      • 4.2.15 Fission & Fusion Equations
      • 4.2.16 Half Lives
      • 4.2.17 Measuring Half Lives
      • 4.2.18 Ionising Radiation
      • 4.2.19 Half Life - Calculations
      • 4.2.20 Safety Precautions
      • 4.2.21 Uses for Isotopes With Different Half-lives
      • 4.2.22 Radioactive Contamination & Irradiation
      • 4.2.23 Types of Contamination
      • 4.2.24 Required Practical - Radiation
      • 4.2.25 Peer Review
      • 4.2.26 End of Topic Test - Atoms & Radiation
      • 4.2.27 Grade 9 - Radiation
      • 4.2.28 Exam-Style Questions - Radioactive Decay
  5. 5 Forces

    • 5.1 Basics of Motion

      • 5.1.1 Velocity
      • 5.1.2 Average Speed
      • 5.1.3 Adding Vectors
      • 5.1.4 Acceleration
      • 5.1.5 Distance vs Displacement
      • 5.1.6 Contact & Non-Contact Forces
      • 5.1.7 Contact Forces - Examples
      • 5.1.8 Distance-Time Graphs
      • 5.1.9 Speed-Time Graphs
      • 5.1.10 Velocity - Time Graph
      • 5.1.11 Average Speed - Calculations
      • 5.1.12 Acceleration - Calculations
      • 5.1.13 Uniform Acceleration - Calculations
      • 5.1.14 Grade 9 - Motion
      • 5.1.15 Exam-Style Questions - Motion
      • 5.1.16 Diagnostic Misconception - Motion
      • 5.1.17 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Acceleration
    • 5.2 Forces

      • 5.2.1 Mass & Inertia
      • 5.2.2 Weight
      • 5.2.3 Centre of Mass
      • 5.2.4 Gravity - Calculations
      • 5.2.5 Resultant Forces
      • 5.2.6 Newton's First Law
      • 5.2.7 Newton Second Law - Calculations
      • 5.2.8 Newton's Third Law
      • 5.2.9 Free Body Force Diagrams
      • 5.2.10 Free Body Diagram - Uses
      • 5.2.11 Components of Forces
      • 5.2.12 Free Body Diagrams - Calculations
      • 5.2.13 Stretching a Spring
      • 5.2.14 Elastic vs Inelastic Deformation
      • 5.2.15 Hooke's Law & Equation
      • 5.2.16 Hooke's Law - Equation
      • 5.2.17 Hooke's Law - Calculations
      • 5.2.18 Required Practical - Spring
      • 5.2.19 Elastic Potential Energy
      • 5.2.20 Elastic Potential Energy - Equation
      • 5.2.21 Elastic Potential - Calculations
      • 5.2.22 Exam-Style Questions - Elastic Potential Energy
      • 5.2.23 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Weight & Mass
    • 5.3 Effects of Forces

      • 5.3.1 Free Fall
      • 5.3.2 Free Fall - Graphs
      • 5.3.3 Air Resistance & Friction
      • 5.3.4 Graphing Acceleration
      • 5.3.5 Required Practical - Effects on Acceleration
      • 5.3.6 Motion with Air Resistance
      • 5.3.7 Momentum
      • 5.3.8 Momentum: Law of Conservation
      • 5.3.9 Force & Momentum Change
      • 5.3.10 Momentum - Equation
      • 5.3.11 Change in Momentum - Calculations
      • 5.3.12 Momentum - Calculations
      • 5.3.13 Turning Effect
      • 5.3.14 Moments
      • 5.3.15 Equilibrium
      • 5.3.16 Moments - Calculations
      • 5.3.17 Circular Motion
      • 5.3.18 Levers & Gears
      • 5.3.19 Gears
      • 5.3.20 Stopping Distance
      • 5.3.21 Factors Affecting Stopping Distance
      • 5.3.22 Factors Affecting Braking Distance
      • 5.3.23 Decelerations
      • 5.3.24 Dangers of Large Decelerations
      • 5.3.25 Stopping Distance - Calculations
      • 5.3.26 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Upward Moving Objects
    • 5.4 Pressure

      • 5.4.1 Pressure & Force on Container
      • 5.4.2 Atmospheric Pressure
      • 5.4.3 Liquid Pressure
      • 5.4.4 Pressure - Calculations
      • 5.4.5 Liquid Pressure - Calculations
      • 5.4.6 Upthrust
      • 5.4.7 Depth Control of Submarine
      • 5.4.8 Pressure Difference
      • 5.4.9 End of Topic Test - Forces
      • 5.4.10 Exam-Style Questions - Pressure
  6. 6 Waves

    • 6.1 Wave Basics

      • 6.1.1 Wave Basics
      • 6.1.2 Wave Speed Formula
      • 6.1.3 Wave Speed Equation
      • 6.1.4 Wave Speed - Calculations
      • 6.1.5 Wave Frequency Formula
      • 6.1.6 Wavelength & Amplitude
      • 6.1.7 Wave Frequency - Calculations
      • 6.1.8 Transverse Waves
      • 6.1.9 Longitudinal Wave
      • 6.1.10 Required Practical - Ripple Tank
      • 6.1.11 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Wavelength
    • 6.2 Waves at a Boundary

      • 6.2.1 Waves at a Boundary
      • 6.2.2 Waves at a Boundary 2
      • 6.2.3 Reflection of Light
      • 6.2.4 Refraction of Light
      • 6.2.5 Refraction of Light 2
      • 6.2.6 Internal Reflection
      • 6.2.7 Required Practical - Reflection and Refraction
    • 6.3 Sound Waves

      • 6.3.1 Sound Waves
      • 6.3.2 Sound Waves & our Ears
      • 6.3.3 Speed of Sound 1
      • 6.3.4 Speed of Sound 2
      • 6.3.5 Sound as a Wave
      • 6.3.6 Uses of Sound Waves: Ultrasound Waves
      • 6.3.7 Uses of Sound Waves: Earthquakes
      • 6.3.8 Sound Waves - Calculations
      • 6.3.9 End of Topic Test - Introduction to Waves
      • 6.3.10 Exam-Style Questions - Wave Speed
    • 6.4 Electromagnetic Waves

      • 6.4.1 Properties of Electromagnetic Waves
      • 6.4.2 Gamma Rays
      • 6.4.3 X-Rays
      • 6.4.4 UV Light
      • 6.4.5 Infrared Radiation
      • 6.4.6 Microwaves
      • 6.4.7 Radio Waves
      • 6.4.8 Properties 2
      • 6.4.9 Visible Light
      • 6.4.10 Visible Light 2
      • 6.4.11 Specular & Diffuse Reflection
      • 6.4.12 Colours
      • 6.4.13 Grade 9 - Waves
    • 6.5 Lenses

      • 6.5.1 Lenses
      • 6.5.2 Convex Lens
      • 6.5.3 Concave Lens
      • 6.5.4 Lenses - Calculations
      • 6.5.5 Images
      • 6.5.6 Ray Diagrams
      • 6.5.7 Ray Diagrams 2
    • 6.6 Heat & Radiation

      • 6.6.1 Infrared Radiation
      • 6.6.2 Radiation & Surface Colour
      • 6.6.3 Surface Area & Temperature
      • 6.6.4 Temperature
      • 6.6.5 Absorption & Emission
      • 6.6.6 Greenhouse Effect
      • 6.6.7 Energy Balance of the Earth
      • 6.6.8 End of Topic Test - EM Waves, Lenses & Heat
      • 6.6.9 Exam-Style Questions - EM Radiation
  7. 7 Magnetism

    • 7.1 Magnetism Basics

      • 7.1.1 Magnetism
      • 7.1.2 Magnetic Materials
      • 7.1.3 Induced Magnetism
      • 7.1.4 Magnetic Fields
      • 7.1.5 Magnetic Field Patterns
    • 7.2 Electromagnetism

      • 7.2.1 The Magnetic Effect of a Current
      • 7.2.2 Solenoid Field
      • 7.2.3 Magnetic Field Strength
      • 7.2.4 Uses of Electromagnets
      • 7.2.5 Motor Effect
      • 7.2.6 Direction of Motor Effect
      • 7.2.7 Magnetic Flux Equation
      • 7.2.8 Magnetic Flux - Calculations
      • 7.2.9 Electric Motors
      • 7.2.10 Loudspeakers
      • 7.2.11 Force Acting on a Coil in a Magnetic Field
      • 7.2.12 Induced Potential Difference
      • 7.2.13 Increasing the Induced Potential Difference
      • 7.2.14 Magnetic Field Direction
      • 7.2.15 Forces Between Electricity & Magnets
      • 7.2.16 AC/DC
      • 7.2.17 AC Generators
      • 7.2.18 Generator Effect
      • 7.2.19 Microphones
    • 7.3 Transformers

      • 7.3.1 Transformers
      • 7.3.2 Transformer Equation
      • 7.3.3 Step-Up & Step-Down Transformers
      • 7.3.4 Principles of Transformer Operation
      • 7.3.5 High-Voltage Transmission & Transformers
      • 7.3.6 Energy in Transformers
      • 7.3.7 Power Losses in Cables
      • 7.3.8 Transformers - Calculations
      • 7.3.9 Transformers 2 - Calculations
      • 7.3.10 End of Topic Test - Magnetism
      • 7.3.11 Grade 9 - Transformers
      • 7.3.12 Exam-Style Questions - Magnetic Fields
  8. 8 Astrophysics

    • 8.1 Astrophysics

      • 8.1.1 The Solar System
      • 8.1.2 The Sun
      • 8.1.3 The Solar System - Calculations
      • 8.1.4 Orbits
      • 8.1.5 Stable Orbits
      • 8.1.6 Orbits HyperLearning
      • 8.1.7 Life Cycle of a Star like the Sun
      • 8.1.8 Life Cycle of a Star Much Bigger than the Sun
      • 8.1.9 Creation of Elements
      • 8.1.10 Red-shift
      • 8.1.11 The Big Bang Theory
      • 8.1.12 Gaps in Knowledge
      • 8.1.13 End of Topic Test - Astrophysics
      • 8.1.14 Exam-Style Questions - Astrophysics

Seneca

  • Teachers
  • Parents
  • Students
  • Your school
  • Join class
  • Get mobile app
  • Evidence Seneca works

Resources

  • Revision Notes
  • International A Level
  • IGCSE
  • IB Diploma
  • Maths
  • Teacher CPD
  • Resource Hub
  • Blog
  • Free CPD courses
  • Definitions
  • Mental health & wellbeing
  • Find tutors
  • Become a tutor

Legal

  • Terms
  • Privacy - UK
  • GDPR
  • Cookies
  • Privacy - DE + AT
  • Privacy - ES
  • Privacy - FR
  • Privacy - IT

Contact us

  • learnmore@seneca.io
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • X
  • TikTok
  • Help & FAQs
  • Press kit

A Level Courses

  • A Level Biology Revision
  • A Level Business Revision
  • A Level Chemistry Revision
  • A Level Physics Revision
  • A Level Economics Revision
  • A Level English Language Revision
  • A Level English Literature Revision
  • A Level Geography Revision
  • A Level History Revision
  • A Level Political Studies Revision
  • A Level Psychology Revision
  • A Level Sociology Revision
  • A Level Maths Revision

GCSE Courses

  • GCSE Biology Revision
  • GCSE Business Revision
  • GCSE Chemistry Revision
  • GCSE Physics Revision
  • GCSE Computer Science Revision
  • GCSE Design Technology Revision
  • GCSE English Language Revision
  • GCSE English Literature Revision
  • GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition Revision
  • GCSE French Revision
  • GCSE Geography Revision
  • GCSE German Revision
  • GCSE History Revision
  • GCSE Maths Revision
  • GCSE Media Studies Revision
  • GCSE Music Revision
  • GCSE Physical Education Revision
  • GCSE Religious Studies Revision
  • GCSE Sociology Revision
  • GCSE Spanish Revision

International A Level

  • International A Level Biology Revision
  • International A Level Chemistry Revision
  • International A Level Physics Revision

IGCSE

  • IGCSE Biology Revision
  • IGCSE Chemistry Revision
  • IGCSE Physics Revision
  • IGCSE Geography Revision
  • IGCSE English Language Revision
  • IGCSE Computer Science Revision

IB Diploma

  • IB Biology Revision
  • IB Physics Revision
  • IB Chemistry Revision
  • IB Business Revision
  • IB Economics Revision

KS3 Courses

  • KS3 English Revision
  • KS3 French Revision
  • KS3 Spanish Revision
  • KS3 Geography Revision
  • KS3 History Revision
  • KS3 Maths Revision
  • KS3 Science Revision

KS2 Courses

  • KS2 Computing
  • KS2 English
  • KS2 French
  • KS2 Geography
  • KS2 History
  • KS2 Maths
  • KS2 Science