Wave behaviour (P5.1) | OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science) — Foundation (J249) | KnowledgeSet

Wave behaviour

Physics (Separate Science) · GCSE · OCR · OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science) — Foundation (J249) · Specification point · P5.1 · Waves in matter

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Learning Objectives

P5.1 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 distance and displacement-time graphical presentations of waves.

Reference	Mathematical learning outcomes	Mathematical skills
$PM5.1i$	$\text{wave speed (m/s)}=\text{frequency (Hz)}\times\text{wavelength (m)}$

Learning outcomes	To include	Maths	Working scientifically	Practical suggestions
$P5.1a describe wave motion in terms of amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period$			$WS1.1b, WS1.3b, WS1.3e$	$Observing sound waves on an oscilloscope.$
$P5.1b define wavelength and frequency$
$P5.1c describe and apply the relationship between wavelength, frequency and wave velocity$		$M1a, M1b, M1c, M2a, M3a, M3b, M3c, M3d$	$WS1.1b, WS1.3a, WS1.3b, WS1.3c, WS1.3d, WS1.3e, WS1.3g, WS1.3h, WS1.3d, WS2a, WS2b$	$Investigation of reflection in a ripple tank (PAG P4)$
$P5.1d apply formulae relating velocity, frequency and wavelength$		$M1c, M3c$
$P5.1e describe differences between transverse and longitudinal waves$	$direction of travel and direction of vibration$	$M5b$	$WS1.1b, WS1.3e$	$Use of a slinky to model waves.$
$P5.1f ☑ show how changes, in velocity, frequency and wavelength, in transmission of sound waves from one medium to another, are inter-related$		$M1c, M3c$
$P5.1g ☑ describe the effects of reflection, transmission, and absorption of waves at material interface$	$examples such as ultrasound and sonar$		$WS1.2a, WS1.2b, WS1.2c, WS1.2e, WS1.3a, WS1.3e, WS1.3f, WS1.3h, WS2a, WS2b, WS2c$	$Refraction of light through a glass block. (PAG P8) Investigation of reflection with a plane mirror. (PAG P8) Demonstration of refraction of white light through a prism.$
$P5.1j describe how ripples on water surfaces are used to model transverse waves whilst sound waves in air are longitudinal waves, and how the speed of each may be measured$			$WS1.1b, WS1.3a, WS1.3b, WS1.3c, WS1.3d, WS1.3e, WS1.3g, WS1.3h, WS1.3d, WS2a, WS2b$	$Investigation of refraction in a ripple tank. (PAG P8)$
$P5.1k describe evidence for the cases of ripples on water surfaces and for sound waves in air that it is the wave that travels and not the water or the air$