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

Introduce the concept of a wave by showing pupils examples of different types of wave in which the wave nature is obvious: water, seismic (P and S, not Love) 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 sound waves (volume), seismic waves (more/less damage), "Mexican" (more/less movement - e.g. seated/standing), light (brightness).
Explain "oftenness" as frequency.