Complete GCSE Physics lesson on Transverse & Longitudinal Waves for AQA, Edexcel & OCR – 43 editable slides + differentiated worksheets with full answers. If waves carry energy across an ocean, why doesn’t the water arrive with it?

Lesson 1 of the P6 Waves unit. Suitable for Combined Science (Trilogy) and Triple Physics, Foundation and Higher tiers. Just open and teach – every slide, worksheet and answer is done for you.

What’s included

• 43-slide editable PowerPoint – every word at least 28 pt, so it reads clearly from the back of the room (great for SEN, dyslexia and visual impairment)
• Do Now retrieval starter with answers, a picture hook, I do / we do / you do worked examples, equation cards and clear original diagrams
• Mini-whiteboard quiz, an illustrated hinge question with explained answers, and click-by-click answer reveals
• Exam-style question with mark scheme and sentence starters, 3-2-1 exit ticket, homework and glossary
• Clickable countdown timers and full teacher notes (spec match, 60-minute lesson plan, common misconceptions)
• 6-page differentiated worksheet pack (Word + PDF) – Bronze, Silver and Gold tasks, a stretch challenge, exam question, exit ticket and full answers and mark schemes

Learning objectives

• Bronze: Describe the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves. Label amplitude and wavelength on a diagram.
• Silver: Define frequency and period and use T = 1 ÷ f. Use v = f λ to calculate wave speed.
• Gold: Rearrange v = f λ for frequency or wavelength. Describe evidence that waves transfer energy, not matter.

Specification

• AQA GCSE Physics 8463 / Combined Science Trilogy 8464 – 4.6.1.1, 4.6.1.2
• Edexcel GCSE Physics 1PH0 / Combined Science 1SC0 – matching topic content
• OCR Gateway Physics A J249 / Combined Science A J250 – matching topic content

Key words: transverse, longitudinal, compression, rarefaction, amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period

Save money: look for the discounted P6 Waves complete unit bundle in my shop.

Ideal for KS4 / Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 GCSE Physics teaching, non-specialist and cover lessons, intervention and revision of transverse & longitudinal waves.

Keywords: GCSE physics transverse & longitudinal waves, AQA physics P6 waves, waves, wave speed, electromagnetic spectrum, light, sound, combined science trilogy physics, KS4 physics lesson, physics worksheet with answers, PowerPoint