Cambridge IGCSE Physics

3.1General properties of waves

General properties of waves in Cambridge IGCSE Physics: what the syllabus expects you to know, the learning objectives and how to practise.

Subtopic27 practice questions2 lessons

Learning objectives

What the syllabus expects you to be able to do.

3.1.1Know that waves transfer energy without transferring matter.
3.1.2Describe wave motion using vibrations in ropes and springs and experiments with water waves.
3.1.3Describe wavefront, wavelength, frequency, crest, trough, amplitude and wave speed.
3.1.4Use v = fλ.
3.1.5Know that in a transverse wave the vibrations are at right angles to the direction of travel, as in electromagnetic, water and seismic S-waves.
3.1.6Know that in a longitudinal wave the vibrations are parallel to the direction of travel, as in sound and seismic P-waves.
3.1.7Describe reflection at a plane surface, refraction caused by a change of speed and diffraction through a narrow gap.
3.1.8Describe how a ripple tank shows reflection, refraction (by a change of depth) and diffraction at a gap and at an edge.
3.1.9Supplement: describe how wavelength and gap size affect diffraction through a gap.
3.1.10Supplement: describe how wavelength affects diffraction at an edge.

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