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Syllabus

Wave Motion — Syllabus

ICSE · Class 11 · Physics

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

60 questions38 flashcards15 formulas & key relations5 concepts

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A comparison showing the key differences between mechanical waves (requiring a medium, e.g., sound, water waves) and electromagnetic waves (not requiring a medium, e.g., light, radio waves). Include e
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4 Topics · ICSE Class 11 Physics · 2026-27

Topics in Wave Motion

1

1. Mechanical Waves and Basic Ideas

  • A mechanical wave is a disturbance that travels through a material medium with definite speed without changing its form.
  • Mechanical waves transmit energy and momentum, not the matter.
  • The transmission is possible because of elasticity and inertia of the medium.
2

2. Speed of Wave Motion in Solids, Liquids and Strings

  • Mechanical waves can be transverse or longitudinal.
  • Transverse waves travel in solids only.
  • Longitudinal waves travel in solids, liquids and gases.
3

3. Newton’s Formula and Laplace’s Correction

  • Newton assumed that sound propagation in gases is isothermal.
  • Under this assumption, Boyle’s law gives isothermal bulk modulus BT = P.
  • Newton’s formula for the speed of sound in gases is v = √(P/ρ).
4

4. Variation of Speed of Sound in Air

  • At constant temperature, pressure change does not affect the speed of sound in a gas.
  • At constant temperature, P/ρ remains constant.
  • Speed of sound in a gas is directly proportional to the square root of absolute temperature.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Wave motion as the transfer of energy and momentum through a medium without transfer of matter

Mechanical wavesElectromagnetic wavesWave speed in mediaTransverse wavesLongitudinal wavesNewton's formulaLaplace's correctionFactors affecting speed of sound in air

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Wave Motion for ICSE Class 11 Physics?
Key topics in Wave Motion include Mechanical Waves and Basic Ideas, Speed of Wave Motion in Solids, Liquids and Strings, Newton’s Formula and Laplace’s Correction, Variation of Speed of Sound in Air. Study these first, then practise questions on each for Class 11 exams.
How should I revise Wave Motion for Class 11 exams?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 60 practice questions on Wave Motion. 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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