Measuring waves
Downloads can take a few minutes, especially for larger files or slower connections.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Waves, where they explored the properties and behaviours of sound and light waves, including reflection and refraction. It deepens their understanding by focusing on how to measure wave characteristics such as amplitude, wavelength, and frequency. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Electromagnetic waves, where they will apply their measurement skills to explore the electromagnetic spectrum, enhancing their understanding of wave properties and their applications in communication and technology.
Prior knowledge requirements
- As a water wave moves forwards, each bit of water moves up and down.
- Water does not move forwards with a wave.
- A water wave is a transverse wave.
- The frequency of a water wave does not affect its speed.
- The amplitude of a water wave does not affect its speed.
- The bigger the amplitude of a wave, the greater the amount of energy it transfers.
- The higher the frequency of a wave, the greater the amount of energy it transfers.
- As a sound wave moves forwards, each bit of air moves forward and backward.
- Air does not move forwards with a sound wave.
- A sound wave is a longitudinal wave.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Waves, where they explored the properties and behaviours of sound and light waves, including reflection and refraction. It deepens their understanding by focusing on how to measure wave characteristics such as amplitude, wavelength, and frequency. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Electromagnetic waves, where they will apply their measurement skills to explore the electromagnetic spectrum, enhancing their understanding of wave properties and their applications in communication and technology.
Prior knowledge requirements
- As a water wave moves forwards, each bit of water moves up and down.
- Water does not move forwards with a wave.
- A water wave is a transverse wave.
- The frequency of a water wave does not affect its speed.
- The amplitude of a water wave does not affect its speed.
- The bigger the amplitude of a wave, the greater the amount of energy it transfers.
- The higher the frequency of a wave, the greater the amount of energy it transfers.
- As a sound wave moves forwards, each bit of air moves forward and backward.
- Air does not move forwards with a sound wave.
- A sound wave is a longitudinal wave.
Physics
Measuring waves
This unit covers wave motion, including amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and velocity. It explains transverse and longitudinal waves, reflection, and absorption. The focus is on measuring wave speed, and sound interactions, applying formulas, and conducting accurate experiments.
10 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Measuring waves unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our Edexcel secondary combined science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for Edexcel secondary combined science programmes.