GRADE 10 PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Complete Study & Revision Pack: Waves, Sound & Light
Curriculum: CAPS / IEB Aligned Paper 1: Physics Module Target Grade: Grade 10
📑 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Transverse Waves & Wave Mechanics
2. Longitudinal Waves & Sound Waves
3. Echo Calculations & Speed of Sound
4. Factors Affecting Sound & Applications
5. Formula Sheet & Unit Reference Table
6. High-Frequency Exam Tips & Common Traps
1. TRANSVERSE WAVES & WAVE MECHANICS
1.1 Key Definitions
• Pulse: A single disturbance transmitted through a medium.
• Transverse Wave: A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular (90°) to the direction of wave
motion/propagation.
• Crest: The highest point reached by a particle in the wave.
• Trough: The lowest point reached by a particle in the wave.
• Amplitude (A): The maximum displacement of a particle from its position of rest (equilibrium). Measured in meters (m).
• Wavelength (λ): The distance between two consecutive points in phase (e.g., crest to crest or trough to trough). Measured
in meters (m).
• Period (T): The time taken for one complete wave (cycle) to pass a fixed point. Measured in seconds (s).
• Frequency (f): The number of complete waves passing a point per second. Measured in Hertz (Hz) or s−1.
1.2 Key Wave Formulas
Frequency & Period: f = 1 / T | T = 1 / f
The Wave Equation: v = f · λ or v = λ / T
Grade 10 Physical Sciences | CAPS Study Bundle Page 1 of 4
Complete Study & Revision Pack: Waves, Sound & Light
Curriculum: CAPS / IEB Aligned Paper 1: Physics Module Target Grade: Grade 10
📑 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Transverse Waves & Wave Mechanics
2. Longitudinal Waves & Sound Waves
3. Echo Calculations & Speed of Sound
4. Factors Affecting Sound & Applications
5. Formula Sheet & Unit Reference Table
6. High-Frequency Exam Tips & Common Traps
1. TRANSVERSE WAVES & WAVE MECHANICS
1.1 Key Definitions
• Pulse: A single disturbance transmitted through a medium.
• Transverse Wave: A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular (90°) to the direction of wave
motion/propagation.
• Crest: The highest point reached by a particle in the wave.
• Trough: The lowest point reached by a particle in the wave.
• Amplitude (A): The maximum displacement of a particle from its position of rest (equilibrium). Measured in meters (m).
• Wavelength (λ): The distance between two consecutive points in phase (e.g., crest to crest or trough to trough). Measured
in meters (m).
• Period (T): The time taken for one complete wave (cycle) to pass a fixed point. Measured in seconds (s).
• Frequency (f): The number of complete waves passing a point per second. Measured in Hertz (Hz) or s−1.
1.2 Key Wave Formulas
Frequency & Period: f = 1 / T | T = 1 / f
The Wave Equation: v = f · λ or v = λ / T
Grade 10 Physical Sciences | CAPS Study Bundle Page 1 of 4
