Wave motion
Explore wave motion within waves. A wave transfers energy through oscillations. Relate frequency, wavelength and speed, then use phase and superposition to explain interference and stationary waves.
Specification outcomes (10)
- 4.4.1(a) Define and describe progressive, longitudinal and transverse waves.
- 4.4.1(b)(i) Define displacement, amplitude, wavelength, period, phase difference, frequency and speed of a wave.
- 4.4.1(b)(ii) Use an oscilloscope to determine frequency and wave characteristics.
- 4.4.1(c) Use 1/T = f to relate period and frequency.
- 4.4.1(d) Use the wave equation v = fλ.
- 4.4.1(e) Interpret graphs of transverse and longitudinal waves.
- 4.4.1(f)(i) Describe reflection, refraction, polarisation and diffraction of waves.
- 4.4.1(f)(ii) Demonstrate wave effects using a ripple tank.
- 4.4.1(f)(iii) Observe polarisation effects using microwaves and light.
- 4.4.1(g) Define intensity I = P / A and recognise that intensity ∝ amplitude².
H156 v2.0 · May 2026
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An optical sensor alternates between a green source of wavelength 520 nm and a red source of wavelength 650 nm. Treat each source as monochromatic and use its wavelength in a vacuum. Each source emits 2.0 μJ of light energy in a burst. Use c = 3.00 × 10⁸ m s⁻¹ and h = 6.63 × 10⁻³⁴ J s. (a) Calculate the frequency of the green light. [2] (b) Calculate the energy of one green photon and one red photon. [3] (c) Calculate the number of photons emitted in one green burst. [2] (d) A technician claims that equal-energy bursts contain equal numbers of photons. Calculate the ratio (red photon count)/(green photon count) and explain whether the claim is correct. [3]
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