Outcomes

Pupils understand and can use the terms amplitude, frequency, wavelength and period.
Pupils can describe the differences between longitudinal and transverse waves and give examples of each.
Pupils recall that waves transfer energy without transferring matter.
Pupils can use the wave equation <math>v=f \lambda</math>

Specification References

Use PowerPoint slides (too large for wiki) to introduce the concept of a wave by showing pupils examples of different types of wave in which the wave nature is obvious: water, shock and "Mexican".

Use wave tank to demonstrate water waves. Ask pupils what aspect of the waves could be changed. Elicit "size" and "oftenness".

Explain "size" of waves as amplitude and ask pupils what the effect of changing amplitude would be on water waves (taller/shorter waves), shock waves (more/less damage), seismic waves (more/less damage), "Mexican" (more/less movement - e.g. seated/standing).

Explain "oftenness" as frequency. Use online oscilloscope to demonstrate amplitude (and its link to volume) and introduce the concept of frequency with reference to sound.

Pupils draw (idealised) diagram of wave and mark on amplitude. Elicit concept of wavelength and have pupils mark wavelength on their diagram. Explore link between frequency and wavelength.

Use pupils to demonstrate amplitude and frequency on "slinky wave".
- In a well-behaved class pupils could be given lengths of elastic and allowed to demonstrate to themselves.

Link use of slinky to the nature of transverse waves; and from that to the nature of longitudinal waves.

After discussing wave types ask pupils what waves are transferring. Link to the three important characteristics: waves are travelling disturbances (mostly in a medium), waves transfer information/energy, waves do not transfer energy. It might help to link to WiFi or radio/television transmissions.
- Pupils may have trouble believing that waves do not transfer matter; it could be useful here to link to an example of an object floating in the sea which is moved only by the tides.

Use this explorer to sum up and demonstrate amplitude, frequency and wavelength.