Topic 4 - Guideline solutions

4.1.1 Describe examples of oscillations

4.1.2 Define displacement

4.1.2 Define amplitude

4.1.2 Define frequency

4.1.2 Define Period

4.1.2 Define phase difference

4.1.3 Define Simple Harmonic motion

4.2.1 Describe the interchange between kinetic energy and potential energy during SHM

4.2.2 State what is meant by damping

4.3.2. Describe examples of damped oscillations

4.3.2 Describe examples of damped oscillations (graph of the types of damping)

4.3.3 State what is meant by natural frequency of vibration and forced oscillations

4.3.5 State what is meant by resonance

4.3.6 Describe examples of resonance where the effect is useful and where it should be avoided.

4.4.1 Describe a wave pulse and a continuous progressive (travelling) wave.

4.4.2 State that progressive (travelling) waves transfer energy

4.4.3 Describe and give examples of transverse and longitudinal waves (TRANSVERSE)

4.4.3 Describe and give examples of transverse and longitudinal waves (LONGITUDINAL)

4.4.4 Describe waves in two dimensions, including the concepts of wavefronts and of rays.

4.4.5 Describe the terms crest, tough, compression and rarefaction.

4.4.5 Describe the terms crest, tough, compression and rarefaction.

Image of compressions and rarefactions.

4.4.6 Define the terms displacement, amplitude, frequency, period, wavelength, wave speed and intensity. (WAVELENGTH)

4.4.6 Define the terms displacement, amplitude, frequency, period, wavelength, wave speed and intensity. (WAVE SPEED)

4.4.6 Define the terms displacement, amplitude, frequency, period, wavelength, wave speed and intensity. (INTENSITY)

4.4.7 Draw and explain displacement-time graphs and displacement-position graphs for transverse and for longitudinal waves

4.4.8 Derive and apply the relationship between wave speed, wavelength and frequency

4.4.9 State that all electromagnetic waves travel with the same speed in free space, and recall the orders of magnitude of the wavelengths of the principal radiations in the electromagnetic spectrum

4.5.1 Describe the reflection and transmission of waves at a boundary between two media.

4.5.2 State and apply Snell's Law

4.5.3 Explain and discuss qualitatively the diffraction of waves at apertures and obstacles

4.5.4 Describe examples of diffraction

4.5.5 State the principle of superposition and explain what is meant by constructive and destructive interference.

4.5.6 State and apply the conditions for constructive and for destructive interference in terms of path difference and phase difference.