Waves

What the Waves unit covers

This unit sits in the Waves, Sound and Light strand of Physics. The resources start with the basics: the mind map called Waves separates transverse waves, where the oscillation is perpendicular to the energy transfer, from longitudinal waves, where it is parallel. From there the page moves into electromagnetic waves, light, sound, seismic waves and ultrasound.

Where to start

1. Open the Waves mind map for the main vocabulary and wave types.
2. Read the flashcard deck on the features of waves, which asks you to fill in missing key terms.
3. Move on to Electromagnetic waves and Light, which cover properties, reflection and refraction.
4. Try 0654 Sound Waves Quiz if you are working on sound, including why humans cannot hear ultrasound.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a mind map first, then take a quiz on the same idea. The quiz on period and phase difference, for example, asks you to read two sinusoidal waveforms, which is easier once the definitions are fresh. If a question catches you out, go back to the map and check the branch it belongs to. The standing waves quiz and the mind map called Standing WAVES work well as a pair.

Going further

Several resources follow named courses. You will find IB Physics lesson notes on refraction and Snell's law, polarisation and standing waves. There is also a mind map for A Level Physics OCR, and a set of quizzes for the 9702 AS Level waves topic. For GCSE and IGCSE, look for the AQA refractive index map and the 0654 quizzes on sound, electromagnetic waves and general wave properties.

Make it your own

Once you have worked through a few resources, pick a topic you find hardest and build your own mind map or flashcards from it. Teachers can also use the slide sets and notes as ready-made starting points.