WAVES
In this area, the topics covered are: wave parameters and behaviours; electromagnetic spectrum; refraction of light.
SUB UNIT HEADING |
DETAILS |
Wave parameters and behaviours |
- Knowledge that waves transfer energy. - Definition of transverse and longitudinal waves. - Knowledge that sound is an example of a longitudinal wave and electromagnetic radiation and water waves are examples of transverse waves. - Determination of the frequency, period, wavelength, amplitude and wave speed for longitudinal and transverse waves. - Use of appropriate relationships to solve problems involving wave speed, frequency, period, wavelength, distance, number of waves and time. v = d/t f = N/t v = f λ T = 1/f - Knowledge that diffraction occurs when waves pass through a gap or around an object. - Comparison of long wave and short wave diffraction. - Draw diagrams using wavefronts to show diffraction when waves pass through a gap or around an object. |
Electromagnetic spectrum |
- Knowledge of the relative frequency and wavelength of bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. - Knowledge of typical sources, detectors and applications for each band in the electromagnetic spectrum. - Knowledge that all radiations in the electromagnetic spectrum are transverse and travel at the speed of light. |
Refraction of light |
- Knowledge that refraction occurs when waves pass from one medium to another. - Description of refraction in terms of change of wave speed, change in wavelength and change of direction (where the angle of incidence is greater than 0°), for waves passing into both a more dense and a less dense medium. - Identification of the normal, angle of incidence and angle of refraction in ray diagrams showing refraction. |
Summary Notes & Questions
Remember to continual check your past paper attempts and review unknown areas with your summary notes. Websites like BBC Bitesize and Mr MacKenzie Fizzics will also help your revision. Ask your teacher if you are unsure of how to proceed with your revision plan and to clarify areas you are unsure about.