GCSE & IGCSE physics practice

Wave speed questions and answers

For any wave, wave speed = frequency × wavelength: $v = f\lambda$ , with speed in m/s, frequency in hertz (Hz) and wavelength in metres. The period is the time for one wave: $T = \dfrac{1}{f}$ . The questions include sound, water waves and electromagnetic waves.

8 questions · Foundation tier · Every answer is checked as you type it, with a full worked solution. Updated 27 Oct 2026.

Start the questions Wave equation guide Wave speed calculator

Where wave speed comes up

GCSE (AQA)	Physics and Combined Science, Foundation and Higher. Recall v = fλ (on AQA's list of equations to learn); period T = 1 ÷ f is on the equation sheet.
Cambridge IGCSE (0625)	Core: recall and use the equation for wave speed, v = fλ.

The method

v = f × λ. Rearranged: f = v ÷ λ and λ = v ÷ f.
Wavelength in m (cm ÷ 100); frequency in Hz (kHz × 1000).
Frequency = number of waves ÷ time.
Period T = 1 ÷ f.

Wave speed questions

Try each one before looking at the hint. If you're stuck, the AI tutor can talk you through it step by step.

Warm-up

Question 1Warm-upFoundation

A wave has a frequency of 50 Hz and a wavelength of 2 m. Calculate its speed.

m/s

Question 2Warm-upFoundation

Sound travels at 340 m/s. Calculate the wavelength of a 170 Hz sound.

Exam-style

Question 3Exam-styleFoundation

A radio wave travels at $3 \times 10^8$ m/s and has a wavelength of 1500 m. Calculate its frequency.

Question 4Exam-styleFoundation

Four water waves pass a post every second. The wavelength is 0.5 m. Calculate the wave speed.

m/s

Question 5Exam-styleFoundation

A wave has a wavelength of 20 cm and a frequency of 15 Hz. Calculate its speed in m/s.

m/s

Question 6Exam-styleFoundation

A wave has a frequency of 25 Hz. Calculate its period.

Challenge

Question 7ChallengeFoundation

In a ripple tank, 10 waves pass a point in 5 s. The wavelength is 3 cm. Calculate the wave speed in m/s.

m/s

Question 8ChallengeFoundation

A 3.4 kHz sound travels through air at 340 m/s. Calculate its wavelength.

Common mistakes

Leaving the wavelength in cm.
Mixing up frequency and period.
Forgetting kHz and MHz conversions.

Stuck on one of these?

The TutorAura AI tutor works through it with you step by step, with the reason for each step, then gives you one like it to try. It checks your working too.

Try the AI tutor free

Sources

The questions are our own. The “where it comes up” notes are from each board's published specification, checked on 27 October 2026:

Practise physics with your own AI tutor

Questions at your level, help when you're stuck, and a plan for your exams. Free for 3 days, no card needed.

Start free trial