Properties Of Waves
Overview
Every sound you hear, every colour you see and every mobile signal your phone picks up travels as a wave. Waves are one of the most universal ideas in physics, connecting topics from music and medicine to earthquakes and astronomy. Understanding their basic properties unlocks a huge part of the Edexcel specification.
In this topic you will learn how to classify waves as transverse or longitudinal, define the quantities that describe any wave, and use the wave equation to link speed, frequency and wavelength. You will also meet the Doppler effect and see how all waves can be reflected and refracted when they meet a boundary.
Objectives
- Explain the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves
- Know the definitions of amplitude, wavefront, frequency, wavelength and period of a wave
- Know that waves transfer energy and information without transferring matter
- Know and use the relationship between the speed, frequency and wavelength of a wave: wave speed = frequency x wavelength, v = f x lambda
- Use the relationship between frequency and time period: frequency = 1 / time period, f = 1 / T
- Use the above relationships in different contexts, including sound waves and electromagnetic waves
- Explain why there is a change in the observed frequency and wavelength of a wave when its source is moving relative to an observer and that this is known as the Doppler effect
- Explain that all waves can be reflected and refracted
Mind map
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Flashcards
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Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Properties Of Waves. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- In a transverse wave, the vibrations are: A) Parallel to the direction of energy transfer B) Perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer C) In the same direction as the wave speed D) Along the length of the medium only Answer: B
- What does the amplitude of a wave measure? A) The distance between two consecutive peaks B) The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position C) The number of waves per second D) The speed of the wave Answer: B
- A wave has a frequency of 250 Hz and a wavelength of 1.32 m. What is the speed of the wave? A) 189 m/s B) 330 m/s C) 495 m/s D) 660 m/s Answer: B
- Which of the following is an example of a longitudinal wave? A) Light B) A ripple on water C) Sound D) An X-ray Answer: C
- As an ambulance drives towards you, its siren appears to have: A) A lower frequency and longer wavelength B) A higher frequency and shorter wavelength C) The same frequency but a different amplitude D) A higher speed and higher frequency Answer: B
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