BRAINCAKEWaves
Revision notes for Waves in Edexcel Physics (8PH0). Read the start of any lesson here, then sign in free for the whole lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz.
- Energy Transfer by WavesA progressive wave is an oscillation that travels through a medium, or through a vacuum for electromagnetic waves, and transfers energy from one…
- Wave MeasurementsThese quantities describe a wave: Displacement: the distance of a point on the wave from its equilibrium position, in a stated direction.
- Investigating the Speed of SoundThe speed of sound in air can be measured with a signal generator, a loudspeaker, a microphone and a two-beam (dual-trace) oscilloscope.
- Pulse Echo MeasurementsIn pulse-echo techniques a short pulse of waves is sent out, reflects from a boundary, and the reflected pulse (the echo) is detected, often by the…
- Transverse and Longitudinal WavesWaves are classified by the direction of the oscillations compared with the direction in which the wave transfers energy.
- EarthquakesAn earthquake releases energy that travels through the Earth as seismic waves.
- Phase and Phase DifferenceThe phase of a point on a wave describes where it is in its cycle of oscillation.
- SuperpositionWhen two or more waves meet at a point, they do not bounce off each other.
- InterferenceInterference is the pattern produced when waves from two sources superpose.
- Progressive WavesA progressive wave is a wave that moves through a medium (or through space), carrying energy from one place to another without transferring matter.
- Stationary WavesA stationary (standing) wave forms when two progressive waves with the same frequency and similar amplitude travel in opposite directions and…
- Demonstrating Stationary WavesStationary waves can be demonstrated, and used to measure wavelength, with microwaves or sound.
- Waves on a Stretched StringA string held under tension with both ends fixed, such as a guitar string, can carry stationary waves.
- Speed and Frequency of Waves on a Stretched StringThe speed of a transverse wave on a stretched string depends on how tight the string is and how heavy it is: v = √(T / μ) where T is the tension in…
- Investigating the Factors Affecting Fundamental FrequencyThis practical investigates how the fundamental frequency of a string depends on its length, tension and mass per unit length.
- Fundamental FrequencyThe fundamental frequency f0 is the lowest frequency at which a string forms a stationary wave.
- DiffractionDiffraction is the spreading out of waves as they pass through a gap or travel past the edge of an obstacle.
- Factors Affecting DiffractionThe amount of diffraction depends on how the size of the gap (or obstacle) compares with the wavelength of the waves.
- Single Slit DiffractionWhen monochromatic light (light of a single wavelength, for example from a laser) passes through a single narrow slit, it diffracts and produces a…
- The Diffraction GratingA diffraction grating is a slide with a very large number of equally spaced, parallel slits (lines), often several hundred per millimetre.
- Investigating Diffraction with a LaserA laser and a diffraction grating can be used to measure the wavelength of laser light accurately.
- Two Slit InterferenceIn Young's double slit experiment, light passes through two narrow slits close together.