Cambridge IGCSE Physics3.1 General properties of waves Checklist

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What's on this checklist

Core

  • I know that waves transfer energy without transferring matter.
  • I can describe what is meant by wave motion, using vibrations in ropes and springs and experiments with water waves as examples.
  • I can describe the features of a wave using the terms wavefront, wavelength, frequency, crest (peak), trough, amplitude and wave speed.
  • I can recall and use the equation for wave speed, v = fλ.
  • I know that in a transverse wave the direction of vibration is at right angles to the direction of propagation, and I understand that electromagnetic radiation, water waves and seismic S-waves (secondary) can be modelled as transverse waves.
  • I know that in a longitudinal wave the direction of vibration is parallel to the direction of propagation, and I understand that sound waves and seismic P-waves (primary) can be modelled as longitudinal waves.
  • I can describe how waves can undergo:a)reflection at a plane surfaceb)refraction caused by a change of speedc)diffraction through a narrow gap
  • I can describe how a ripple tank is used to show:a)reflection at a plane surfaceb)refraction caused by a change in speed, due to a change in depthc)diffraction at a gapd)diffraction at an edge

Extended

  • I can describe how the wavelength and the size of the gap affect diffraction through a gap.
  • I can describe how the wavelength affects diffraction at an edge.