4.4 Waves

This topic provides knowledge and understanding of wave properties, electromagnetic waves, sound waves superposition and stationary waves. The wavelength of visible light is too small to be measured directly using a ruler. However, superposition experiments can be done in the laboratory to determine wavelength of visible light using a laser and a double slit.


There are opportunities to discuss how the double-slit experiment demonstrated the wave-like behaviour of light.

Topic Sheet

4.4 Waves topic sheet

Lesson 1: Waves GCSE recap and more

Lesson 2: Reflection & Refraction

Lesson 3: Total Internal reflection

Total internal reflection

Lesson 4: Dispersion and diffraction

Lesson 5: The electromagnetic spectrum

The EM Spectrum PPT VF

Lesson 6: Polarisation

VF Polarisation
Polarisation questions

Lesson 7: Interference

yr12 interferenceVF
Interference Notes

Lesson 8: Two source interference, Youngs slits

Youngs slits
Young's Slit Notes

Lesson 9: Diffraction gratings

The_Diffraction_Grating
Diffraction grating questions

Lesson 10: Required Practical - To find the wavelength of light using a diffraction grating

Physics_Student_Sheet_5.1_Determining_Wavelength_with_Diffraction_Grating_v2.0.docx

Lesson 11: Wave intensity

Intensity VF
Intensity questions

Lesson 12: Standing (stationary) waves

Standing (stationary) Waves
Standing_waves_questions.pdf