What this topic covers
Topic P4: Waves and radioactivity has 3 subtopics:
- P4.1 Wave behaviour
- P4.2 The electromagnetic spectrum
- P4.3 Radioactivity
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GCSE OCR Foundation Combined Science Physics · Topic 4 of 6
Topic P4: Waves and radioactivity – GCSE OCR Foundation Combined Science Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. OCR Combined Science Physics waves and radioactivity content. 26 lessons in 3 subtopics.
Revise Topic P4: Waves and radioactivity for GCSE OCR Foundation Combined Science Physics, including P4.1 Wave behaviour. 26 lessons across 3 subtopics.
26
Lessons
3
Subtopics
Topic P4: Waves and radioactivity lessons by subtopic
26 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
P4.1 Wave behaviour
- Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves
- Waves Transfer Energy, Not Matter
- Wave Characteristics: Amplitude, Wavelength & Frequency
- Measuring Wave Speed: Sound and Water
- Wave Equation & Changing Mediums
P4.2 The electromagnetic spectrum
- Reflection, Absorption, and Transmission of Waves
- Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Hazards of UV, X-rays, and Gamma Rays
- Radio Waves, Microwaves and Infrared
- Visible Light, Ultraviolet, X-Rays, and Gamma Rays
- Infrared Radiation: Emission and Absorption
- Emission and Absorption
- Earth's Temperature and Radiation Balance
P4.3 Radioactivity
- The Structure of the Atom
- Electron Arrangement and Energy Levels
- Atomic Number, Mass Number, and Neutral Atoms
- Isotopes and Ion Formation
- Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Neutrons
- Radioactive Decay: Stability and Activity
- Applications and Choosing Radiation Sources
- Understanding Nuclear Equations
- Balancing Nuclear Equations
- Understanding Half-Life
- Radioactive Contamination and Irradiation
- Safety Precautions and Peer Review
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Go back to the full GCSE OCR Foundation Combined Science Physics topic list, or practise this topic with past-paper questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Topic P4: Waves and radioactivity?
OCR Combined Science Physics waves and radioactivity content. 26 lessons in 3 subtopics.
What is an isotope?
Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. The Isotopes and Ion Formation notes cover this in full.
What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?
In a transverse wave, particles vibrate perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of energy transfer, as in water ripples. The Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves notes cover this in full.
What is the atomic number?
The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which defines the element. The Atomic Number, Mass Number, and Neutral Atoms notes cover this in full.
What are examples of transverse waves?
Examples of transverse waves include ripples on a water surface, light waves and a wave on a rope flicked up and down. The Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves notes cover this in full.
What is the relative mass of an electron?
The relative mass of an electron is 1/1840, which is negligible, compared with 1 for a proton or neutron. The The Structure of the Atom notes cover this in full.
What is the wave equation?
The wave equation is v = fλ: wave speed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) × wavelength (m). The Wave Equation & Changing Mediums notes cover this in full.
What is the wavelength range of visible light?
Visible light ranges from red, with a wavelength of about 700 nanometres, to violet, with a wavelength of about 400 nanometres. The The Electromagnetic Spectrum notes cover this in full.
What is a beta particle?
A beta particle is a high-speed electron ejected from the nucleus when a neutron transforms into a proton during radioactive decay. The Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Neutrons notes cover this in full.