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Physics 0625

3. Waves

Wave behaviour, light and ray diagrams, the electromagnetic spectrum, and sound.

  1. 3.1

    General properties of waves

    Transverse and longitudinal waves, wavelength, frequency, amplitude, the wave equation, reflection, refraction and diffraction.

    Full lesson2 questions4 cardsSimulation
    • 3.1.1Describe what is meant by wavefronts, wavelength, frequency, crest, trough, amplitude and wave speed.
    • 3.1.2Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves and give examples of each.
    • 3.1.3Recall and use v = fλ.
    • + 1 more objectives
  2. 3.2

    Light

    Reflection in a plane mirror, refraction and refractive index, total internal reflection, thin converging lenses and dispersion.

    Full lesson3 questions3 cardsSimulationReview first: 3.1
    • 3.2.1Describe reflection at a plane surface and construct ray diagrams for an image in a plane mirror.
    • 3.2.2Describe refraction at a boundary and recall and use n = sin i / sin r.
    • 3.2.3Explain total internal reflection and the critical angle, including uses in optical fibres.
    • + 1 more objectives
  3. 3.3

    Electromagnetic spectrum

    The order of the spectrum, common uses and the dangers of each region.

    Full lesson2 questions2 cardsReview first: 3.1
    • 3.3.1State the regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of wavelength and frequency.
    • 3.3.2Describe typical uses and hazards of each region.
    • 3.3.3State that all electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum, 3.0 × 10⁸ m/s.
  4. 3.4

    Sound

    Sound as a longitudinal wave, the range of human hearing, the speed of sound and echoes, and ultrasound.

    Full lesson1 questions2 cardsReview first: 3.1
    • 3.4.1Describe the production of sound by vibrating sources and its transmission as a longitudinal wave.
    • 3.4.2State the approximate range of human hearing (20 Hz to 20 000 Hz).
    • 3.4.3Describe how to measure the speed of sound in air and use echo methods.