P12 - Waves
Independent learning
Introduction
Waves transfer energy without transfering matter. In this topic you will learn about the different types of waves and their properties. You will compare transverse and longitudinal waves and explain the meaning of key wave terms such as frequency, amplitude, period and wave speed. The wave equation will be used to calculate these key properties of waves. Practical methods of finding the speed of a wave using a ripple tank and a vibration generator will also be covered. The properties of sound waves will be taught and also how we can use echoes to measure distance. Sets 1 and 2 will cover how waves interact with boundaries and look in detail at reflection and refraction. In addition to this set 1 classes will learn about ultrasound and its uses as well as seismic waves and how we can use these to learn details of the structure of the Earth.
Specification links
Task 1: Know
Task 1a: Use look, cover, write check and quizlet to learn the answers to the core questions and the keywords for this topic
Learn
Task 2: Properties of Waves
Task 2a: Read through the slides and the BBC Bitesizes pages
Task 2b: Make notes that:
Explain what waves transfer and how.
Define mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
Define transverse waves and longitudinal waves and explain how each travels.
Define wavelength, frequency, amplitude and period
Give the equation for calculating the period of a wave
Give the equation for calculating wave speed
Explain how to calculate the speed of sound in air using echos
Set 3 only:
Complete the checkpoint quiz
Task 3: Waves required practical
Task 3a: Watch the 3 videos:
Task 3b: Read through the slides and the BBC Bitesize pages
Task 3c: Make notes that:
Explain how sound waves are produced.
Explain how the pitch of a sound wave is related to its frequency
Explain why sounds waves cannot travel through a vacuum
If you have a printer print the required practical sheets
Calculate the wave speed of the waves in the video by slowing it down and following the instructions on the required practical sheet.
Explain how to calculate the wave speed of a wave on a string using page 2 of the required practical sheet.
Task 3d: Complete the exam question
Set 2 only:
Task 3e: Complete the checkpoint quiz
Set 3 go to task 8 now
Task 4: Reflection and Refraction - Set 1 & 2
Task 4b: Read through the slides and the BBC Bitesize page
Task 4c: Make notes that:
Explain what wavefronts are, include a diagram.
Describe the four things that can happen when a wave meets a boundary.
Define reflection
Explain what happens to waves when they meet a non-zero barrier
Describe what happens when waves meet a barrier straight on
Define refraction
Explain why waves are diffracted, in terms of wave fronts.
Describe what happens to the speed of waves when they enter a more dense medium or into shallower water.
Describe what happens to the speed of waves when they enter a less dense medium or into deeper water.
Explain why the wavelength changes when waves speed changes, but not the frequency.
Task 4d: Complete and mark the exam question
Task 4e: Complete the BBC Bitesize quiz
Set 2 go to task 8 now
Task 5: Sound Waves - Set 1 only
Task 5c: Make notes that:
Draw four diagrams showing waves with the following properties:
Loud sound and low pitch
Loud sound and high pitch
Quiet sound and low pitch
Quiet sound and high pitch
Describe what type of waves sound waves are
Explain why sound waves travel fastest through solids.
Give the frequency range of human hearing
Describe the process which allows us to hear sounds.
Task 5d: Complete the exam question
Task 5e: Complete the Checkpoint Quiz
Task 6: Uses of ultrasound - Set 1 only
Task 6b: Read through the slides and the BBC bitesize page
Task 6c: Make notes that:.
Define ultrasound
Give 4 ways ultrasound waves can be used.
Describe how an ultrasound scanner works
Describe the advantages of ultrasound screening
Explain how ultrasound can be used in non-destructive testing.
Explain how echolocation can be used to find the distance from the bottom of a ship to the sea bed, include a diagram.
Give the equation used to calculate the depth of a boundary below a surface.
Task 6d: Complete and mark the exam question
Task 7: Seismic Waves - Set 1 only
Task 7a: Watch both of the videos
Task 7b: Read through the slides and the BBC Bitesize page
Task 7c: Make notes that:.
Draw and label the structure of the Earth
Describe why and where earthquakes usually occur.
Give the three types of seismic waves
Define focus, epicentre and seismometer
Compare the three types of seismic waves - use the table on slide 18 to help.
Explain in detail what shadow zones are and why they occur.
Task 7d: Complete and mark the exam question
Task 7e: Complete the BBC Bitesize quiz
Task 8: Summary
Task 8a: Complete the Seneca tasks:
Task 8b: Make a mind map or single page revision summary of this topic. Use the specification links to help you.
Specification links