GCSE Physics Specification

OCR B J259

Section P1.3: How do waves behave?

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#P1.3.1

describe wave motion in terms of amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period

#P1.3.2

describe evidence that for both ripples on water surfaces and sound waves in air, it is the wave and not the water or air itself that travels

#P1.3.3

describe the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves

#P1.3.4

describe how waves on a rope are an example of transverse waves whilst sound waves in air are longitudinal waves

#P1.3.5

define wavelength and frequency

#P1.3.6

recall and apply the relationship between speed, frequency and wavelength to waves, including waves on water, sound waves and across the electromagnetic spectrum:

wave speed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) × wavelength (m)

#P1.3.7

a) describe how the speed of ripples on water surfaces and the speed of sound waves in air may be measured

b) describe how to use a ripple tank to measure the speed/frequency and wavelength of a wave
PAG4

#P1.3.8

a) describe the effects of reflection and refraction of waves at material interfaces

b) describe how to measure the refraction of light through a prism
PAG8

c) describe how to investigate the reflection of light off a plane mirror
PAG8

#P1.3.9

recall that waves travel in different substances at different speeds and that these speeds may vary with wavelength

#P1.3.10

explain how refraction is related to differences in the speed of the waves in different substances

#P1.3.11

recall that light is an electromagnetic wave

#P1.3.12

recall that electromagnetic waves are transverse