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Syllabus

Waves — Syllabus

CBSE · Class 11 · Physics

What Waves covers in CBSE Class 11 Physics: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session. Part of the CBSE Class 11 Physics syllabus.

131 questions60 flashcards14 formulas & key relations5 concepts

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4 Topics · CBSE Class 11 Physics · 2026-27

Topics in Waves

1

1. Basic idea of waves and types of waves

  • A wave is a moving disturbance that carries energy.
  • Mechanical waves need a material medium and cannot propagate through vacuum.
  • Electromagnetic waves do not necessarily require a medium and can travel through vacuum.
2

2. Transverse and longitudinal waves

  • In transverse waves, particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
  • In longitudinal waves, particles oscillate along the direction of propagation.
  • Transverse waves can propagate only in media that can sustain shearing stress, such as solids.
3

3. Sinusoidal travelling waves and wave parameters

  • A sinusoidal travelling wave moving in the positive x direction is written as y(x,t) = a sin(kx - ωt + φ).
  • A wave travelling in the negative x direction is written as y(x,t) = a sin(kx + ωt + φ).
  • Amplitude is the maximum displacement from the mean position.
4

4. Speed of a travelling wave

  • Wave speed is the distance travelled by a fixed phase point per unit time.
  • The speed of a progressive wave is v = ω/k = λν = λ/T.
  • For a mechanical wave, speed depends only on the properties of the medium, not on wavelength or frequency.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Waves

Mechanical wavesElectromagnetic wavesMatter wavesWave motion basicsTypes of mechanical wavesWave variables and equationWave relationsSpeed of mechanical waves

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Waves for CBSE Class 11 Physics?
Key topics in Waves include Basic idea of waves and types of waves, Transverse and longitudinal waves, Sinusoidal travelling waves and wave parameters, Speed of a travelling wave. Study these first, then practise questions on each for Class 11 exams.
How should I revise Waves for Class 11 exams?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 131 practice questions on Waves. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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All CBSE Class 11 Physics Syllabus

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