Waves

The key objective behind this scheme of work is to enable students to describe, in words and using mathematics, the essential features of sound and light waves and their propagation.

The learning outcomes are detailed below:

Features of Waves

1. Describe a progressive wave.
2. Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves (with reference to the direction of oscillation of the particles).
3. Give examples of transverse and longitudinal waves.
4. Define the following terms and identify them on diagrams (for transverse waves only): wavelength, amplitude, particle displacement
5. Define the period and frequency of a wave, finding one given the other.
6. Use the wave equation to explore the relationship between the speed of a wave, frequency and wavelength: v=fλ

Sound waves

1. Interpret traces of sound waves (made by a CRO, for example)
2. Relate the properties of a sound wave to the pitch, volume and timbre of a sound.
3. Outline and evaluate an experiment to measure the speed of sound in air.

Electromagnetic Waves

1. Distinguish between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves.
2. Outline differences and similarities between sound and light waves.
3. List the components of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of frequency and wavelength.
4. Identify the components of the electromagnetic spectrum that are ionising and discuss their dangers.
5. Give uses for each component of the electromagnetic spectrum (including the use of electromagnetic waves for communication and for medical imaging).
6. Identify that when a wave strikes a surface or change in medium, there will be reflection, transmission and absorption.