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Episode 308: Preparation for the progressive waves topic

Students may have had a range of experiences of waves before starting their post-16 level course. For example, some may be confident in handling symbolic equations such as v = f l. Others may have only seen this as speed = frequency ´ wavelength, and may not be confident with rearranging it.

Your specification may mean that you have already covered the topic of oscillations (simple harmonic motion), in which case many of the ideas should already be familiar.

The episodes presented here give you the opportunity to assess what your students already know; you may be able to move quickly through this material if you feel that your class is confident in particular areas.

The demonstrations suggested give plenty of opportunity for student involvement.

Episode 309:  Generating waves

Episode 310:  Wave graphs

Episode 311:  Speed, frequency and wavelength

Main aims Students will: Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves by describing the motion  of  particles. Describe and represent waves graphically in terms of wavelength, frequency, displacement and amplitude.  Derive and use the wave equation v = f l.  Use an oscilloscope to look at waves and deduce their frequencies.

Prior knowledge

Students should know that waves transfer energy without transferring matter. They should know about the waves of the electromagnetic spectrum.

As discussed above, students’ knowledge of waves will depend greatly on the course they have followed previously, and this topic gives an opportunity to bring all students to the same point of understanding.

We have not assumed that students have already studied oscillations.

Where this leads

Ensuring that students have a firm grasp of these fundamental ideas will make it easier for them to deal with the idea of superposition and its consequences (standing waves, interference and diffraction).

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