K323 / 2027

Chapter 10

General properties of waves

A wave transfers energy as a disturbance travels.

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  1. What travels in a wave?

    Separate particle vibration from propagation and compare transverse and longitudinal waves.

  2. Wave quantities and graphs

    Read amplitude and wavelength from a snapshot, and period and frequency from a time trace.

  3. Determining wave speed

    Connect frequency, wavelength and speed, and interpret wave measurements.

  4. Sound, pitch and loudness

    Explain sound transmission through a medium and compare amplitude with frequency.

  5. Echoes and distance

    Trace the outward and return paths before calculating a reflecting surface's distance.

  6. Using ultrasound

    Explain pulse-echo measurements in sonar and soft-tissue scanning.

Syllabus coverage

This chapter covers General properties of waves, topic 10(a-j), in the K323 syllabus (2027) and 6091 (2026).

Distinguish wave travel from particle motion and use measured spacing and time to calculate speed or distance.

Includes transverse and longitudinal waves, sound, echoes and ultrasound.

View the learning outcomes
10(a)
Describe wave motion using ropes, springs and a ripple tank, including wavefronts. What travels in a wave?
10(b)
Explain wave transfer of energy without transfer of matter. What travels in a wave?
10(c)
Define and use speed, frequency, wavelength, period and amplitude, including graphical representations. Wave quantities and graphsDetermining wave speed
10(d)
Apply wave speed = frequency x wavelength in new situations. Determining wave speed
10(e)
Compare transverse and longitudinal waves and give suitable examples. What travels in a wave?
10(f)
Explain sound production by vibrating sources and its need for a medium. Sound, pitch and loudness
10(g)
Describe longitudinal sound propagation through compressions and rarefactions. Sound, pitch and loudness
10(h)
Relate loudness to amplitude and pitch to frequency. Sound, pitch and loudness
10(i)
Explain reflected sound echoes and their use in measuring distances. Echoes and distance
10(j)
Explain ultrasound applications including sonar and soft-tissue scanning. Using ultrasound