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 Higher Physics · Topic 5 of 9
Topic P5: Waves in matter – GCSE OCR Higher Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. OCR Waves in matter: wave behaviour, electromagnetic spectrum and wave interaction. 28 lessons in 3 subtopics.
Revise Topic P5: Waves in matter for GCSE OCR Higher Physics, including P5.1 Wave behaviour, P5.2 The electromagnetic spectrum, and P5.3 Wave interaction.
28
Lessons
3
Subtopics
Topic P5: Waves in matter lessons by subtopic
28 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
- Wave Equation & Changing Mediums
- Sound Waves and Vibrations
- The Human Hearing Range
- Ultrasound and Echo Sounding
- Seismic Waves and Earth's Structure
- Wave Properties for Detection and Exploration
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
- Emission and Absorption
- Earth's Temperature and Radiation Balance
P5.3 Wave interaction
More in this course
Go back to the full GCSE OCR Higher 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. 28 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 is the magnification equation?
The magnification equation is magnification = image height ÷ object height. The Magnification 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 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 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 are the wavelengths of visible light?
Visible light has wavelengths from approximately 400nm (violet) to 700nm (red). The Colour Filters & Wavelengths notes cover this in full.