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Topic 4: Waves has 1 subtopic:
- Wave properties, reflection and sound
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GCSE Edexcel Higher Physics · Topic 4 of 15
Topic 4: Waves – GCSE Edexcel Higher Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. Wave properties, wave behaviour and sound. 14 lessons in 1 subtopic.
Revise Topic 4: Waves for GCSE Edexcel Higher Physics, including Wave properties, reflection and sound. 14 lessons across 1 subtopic.
14
Lessons
1
Subtopics
Topic 4: Waves lessons by subtopic
14 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
Wave properties, reflection and sound
- Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves: Learn the differences between transverse and longitudinal waves, with examples like water ripples and sound waves.
- Waves Transfer Energy, Not Matter: Explore how waves transfer energy without transferring the medium (water or air) itself.
- Wave Characteristics: Amplitude, Wavelength & Frequency
- Measuring Wave Speed: Sound and Water
- Wave Equation & Changing Mediums
- Reflection, Absorption, and Transmission of Waves: Explore how waves behave at boundaries between different materials, focusing on reflection, absorption, and transmission.
- Ray Diagrams and Wave Reflection: Learn to construct ray diagrams to illustrate the reflection of waves at a surface and understand their effects.
- Sound Waves and Vibrations
- The Human Hearing Range
- Ultrasound and Echo Sounding
- Seismic Waves and Earth's Structure
- Wave Properties for Detection and Exploration
- Depth measurements, ultrasound and sound in different media: Calculate depth from wave speed and time and explain ultrasound, infrasound and sound changes between media.
- Core practical: measuring wave speed, frequency and wavelength: Investigate wave measurements in solids and fluids and judge suitable methods and equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Topic 4: Waves?
Wave properties, wave behaviour and sound. 14 lessons in 1 subtopic.
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 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 ultrasound?
Ultrasound is sound waves with frequencies higher than humans can hear, over 20,000 Hz. The Ultrasound and Echo Sounding 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 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 the human hearing range?
The human hearing range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz (20,000 Hz). The The Human Hearing Range 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.