What this topic covers
Topic P5: Waves in matter has 3 subtopics:
- P5.1 Wave behaviour
- P5.2 The electromagnetic spectrum
- P5.3 Wave interaction
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GCSE OCR Foundation Physics · Topic 5 of 9
Topic P5: Waves in matter – GCSE OCR Foundation Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. OCR Waves in matter: wave behaviour, electromagnetic spectrum and wave interaction. 14 lessons in 3 subtopics.
Revise Topic P5: Waves in matter for GCSE OCR Foundation Physics, including P5.1 Wave behaviour, P5.2 The electromagnetic spectrum, and P5.3 Wave interaction.
14
Lessons
3
Subtopics
Topic P5: Waves in matter lessons by subtopic
14 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
P5.1 Wave behaviour
- Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves
- Waves Transfer Energy, Not Matter
- Wave Characteristics: Amplitude, Wavelength & Frequency
- Measuring Wave Speed: Sound and Water
P5.2 The electromagnetic spectrum
- Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum
- EM Wave Interactions with Matter
- Refraction and Wave Velocity
- Producing and Absorbing Radio Waves and Gamma Rays
- 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
P5.3 Wave interaction
More in this course
Go back to the full GCSE OCR Foundation Physics topic list, or practise this topic with past-paper questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Topic P5: Waves in matter?
OCR Waves in matter: wave behaviour, electromagnetic spectrum and wave interaction. 14 lessons in 3 subtopics.
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 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 refraction of electromagnetic waves?
Refraction is the bending of electromagnetic waves when they pass from one medium to another, due to a change in wave speed. The EM Wave Interactions with Matter 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 the amplitude of a wave?
The amplitude of a wave is the maximum displacement of a point on the wave away from its undisturbed position. The Wave Characteristics: Amplitude, Wavelength & Frequency notes cover this in full.
What are gamma rays used for?
Gamma rays are used in medical gamma cameras to image internal organs, using isotopes such as technetium-99m, and in industry to sterilise medical equipment and food products. The Producing and Absorbing Radio Waves and Gamma Rays notes cover this in full.
What is the law of reflection?
The law of reflection states that the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence. The Ray Diagrams and Wave Reflection notes cover this in full.
What is wavelength?
Wavelength is the distance from a point on one wave to the equivalent point on the adjacent wave. The Wave Characteristics: Amplitude, Wavelength & Frequency notes cover this in full.