Physics (Combined Science) · GCSE · OCR · OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway Science) — Physics — Higher (J250) · Specification point · P4.1 · Waves and radioactivity
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P4.1 Wave behaviour
Summary Waves are means of transferring energy and the two main types of wave are introduced in this section: mechanical and electromagnetic. This section considers both what these types of waves are and how they are used. The main terms used to describe waves are defined and exemplified in this topic. Underlying knowledge and understanding Learners should have prior knowledge of transverse and longitudinal waves through sound and light. Learners should be aware of how waves behave and how the speed of a wave may change as it passes through different media. They may already have knowledge of how sound is heard and the hearing ranges of different species.
Common misconceptions Although they will often have heard of the terms ultrasound and sonar, learners find it challenging to explain how images and traces are formed and to apply their understanding to calculations. Learners often misinterpret displacement distance and displacement-time graph presentation of waves.
| Reference | Mathematical learning outcomes | Maths skills |
|---|---|---|
PM4.1i | recall and apply: |
M1a, M1b, M1c, M2a, M3a, M3b, M3c, M3d |
| Learning outcomes | To include | Maths | Working scientifically | Practical suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
P4.1a describe wave motion in terms of amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period | WS1.1b, WS1.3b, WS1.3e | Observing sound waves on an oscilloscope. | ||
P4.1b define wavelength and frequency | ||||
P4.1c describe and apply the relationship between wavelength, frequency and wave velocity | M1a, M1b, M1c, M2a, M3a, M3b, M3c, M3d | WS1.1b, WS1.3a, WS1.3b, WS1.3c, WS1.3d, WS1.3e, WS1.3g, WS1.3h, WS2a, WS2b | Investigation of reflection in a ripple tank. (PAG P4) | |
P4.1d apply formulae relating velocity, frequency and wavelength | M1c, M3c | |||
P4.1e describe differences between transverse and longitudinal waves | direction of travel and direction of vibration | WS1.1b, WS1.3e | Use of a slinky to model waves. | |
P4.1f describe how ripples on water surfaces are used to model transverse waves whilst sound waves in air are longitudinal waves, and how the speed of each may be measured | WS1.1b, WS1.3a, WS1.3b, WS1.3c, WS1.3d, WS1.3e, WS1.3g, WS1.3h, WS2a, WS2b | Investigation of refraction in a ripple tank. (PAG P4) | ||
P4.1g describe evidence for the cases of ripples on water surfaces and for sound waves in air that it is the wave that travels and not the water or the air |