Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can explain that a wave or a wave pulse moves energy between two places while the medium only oscillates around its equilibrium position. (Guide: “Energy moves, matter stays”; Practice Q1)
- I can tell the difference between a single pulse and a continuous periodic wave. (Guide: “Energy moves, matter stays”)
- I can say which waves need a medium (mechanical) and which do not (electromagnetic), and give an example of each. (Guide: “Mechanical and electromagnetic waves”; Practice Q4)
- I can classify a wave as transverse or longitudinal by comparing the direction of the disturbance with the direction of travel. (Guide: “Transverse and longitudinal waves”; Practice Q2)
- I can describe sound as a longitudinal wave and locate compressions and rarefactions from pressure data. (Guide: Figure 2; Practice Q6)
Calculation and skills
- I can find the mass per length of a string and use v = √(F_T/μ) to calculate a pulse speed and a travel time. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q5)
- I can predict the factor of change in speed when the tension or the mass per length changes. (Guide: “Pulses on a string”; Practice Q3, Q5c)
- I can state the amplitude of a displacement wave or a pressure wave, measured from equilibrium. (Guide: “Amplitude, energy and loudness”; Practice Q6b)
- I can sketch a pulse on a string at a later time and show which way points on it are moving. (Guide: Figure 1)
- I can linearise v = √(F_T/μ) by plotting v² against F_T and get μ from the gradient. (Practice Q7)
Reasoning
- I can explain why the speed of a wave does not depend on its amplitude, and what does change when the amplitude increases. (Practice Q5d, Q6d)
- I can compare the travel times of light and sound for the same event, and explain how air temperature affects the sound. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q4)
- I can use data to judge a claim about how wave speed depends on tension. (Practice Q7c)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 14.2, Periodic Waves, or return to the course roadmap.