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Wavefront: GCSE Physics Definition

Leander Oates

Written by: Leander Oates

Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll

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  1. 1. Wavefront revision resources to ace your exams

What is a wavefront?

In GCSE Physics, wavefronts are one of several models used to visually represent waves.

Wavefronts are drawn as a series of lines which represent the peaks of each wave as if viewed from above.

Wavefronts shown by blue lines representing the peak of each wave. Rays are shown in red representing the direction of wave motion. Rays are at right angles to the wavefronts. Wavefronts are one wavelength apart.
The blue lines show the wavefronts representing the peak of each wave.

Rays represent the direction of wave motion and the direction of energy transfer. Rays are perpendicular to the wavefronts.

The distance between successive wavefronts is the wavelength of the wave.

In GCSE Physics, wavefronts are often used to show refraction, where the speed of the wave changes upon entering a new medium, causing the wave to change direction.

Diagram illustrating wave refraction from deep to shallow water, with red lines showing direction and wavelength decreasing as indicated by green arrows.
Wavefronts used to show the refraction of a wave when travelling from deep water to shallow water.

The difference in speed is shown by the change in the wavelength for a constant frequency. When a wave travels faster, the wavefronts are closer together and vice versa.

Wavefront revision resources to ace your exams

You can strengthen your understanding of wavefronts by using our revision notes tailored specifically for the AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC exam boards.

You can practice wave questions and calculations with helpful guidance and examiner tips using our exam board specific GCSE Physics exam questions.

Explore our GCSE Physics Revision Resources


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Author
Reviewer
Leander Oates

Author: Leander Oates

Expertise: Physics

Leander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.

Caroline Carroll

Author: Caroline Carroll

Expertise: Physics Subject Lead

Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about creating high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.

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