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 reaching a boundary between two media is partly reflected and partly transmitted, and that the two share the energy. (Guide: “A wave meets a boundary”; Practice Q7d)
- I can state when a reflected pulse is inverted and when it is upright, using the change in wave speed. (Guide: “Inverted or upright?”; Practice Q1)
- I can explain why the transmitted pulse is never inverted. (Guide: Figure 1; Practice Q1)
- I can explain why the frequency of a wave does not change at a boundary. (Guide: “Frequency stays the same”; Practice Q2)
- I can describe a polarized and an unpolarized transverse wave, and explain why a longitudinal wave cannot be polarized. (Guide: “Polarization”; Practice Q3)
- I can name three ways a wave can be polarized: by a filter or slot, by reflection and by refraction. (Guide: “Three ways to polarize a wave”)
Calculation and skills
- I can use v = √(F_T/μ) to compare the speeds on two strings under the same tension. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q5)
- I can find the new wavelength or pulse width after a boundary using λ₂/λ₁ = v₂/v₁. (Practice Q2, Q5, Q7)
- I can calculate intensity from I = P/A and power from P = IA. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q4)
- I can find the intensity after one or two ideal filters, for parallel and crossed axes. (Guide: Figure 2; Practice Q4, Q6)
- I can sketch the reflected and transmitted pulses at a junction, showing orientation and width. (Guide: Figure 1, Worked example 1; Practice Q5c, Q7a)
Reasoning
- I can use observations of reflected and transmitted pulses to decide which medium is faster. (Practice Q7)
- I can use a rotating-filter experiment as evidence that light is transverse and sound is longitudinal. (Practice Q6b)
- I can explain why turning a single filter does not change how much unpolarized light gets through. (Practice Q6c)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 14.4, Electromagnetic Waves, or return to the course roadmap.