Year 12
Side B2a: Waves
Build Side B2a wave foundations through progressive waves, oscilloscopes, Doppler effect, intensity, the electromagnetic spectrum, and polarisation.
Part of Year 12 CIE Physics 9702.
Topic Overview
What students will cover
This topic secures the main language and representations of waves before you move into superposition. Start with progressive-wave definitions, graphs, and the wave equation, then use oscilloscopes to connect traces to real measurements. The later lessons apply the same model to Doppler shifts, intensity, electromagnetic waves, and polarisation so you can explain wave behaviour with both equations and precise vocabulary.
Revision
Topic revision route
Use the generated links below to move from lesson review to retrieval practice, syllabus checks, and useful resources.
Recall vocabulary
Wave motion
a travelling disturbance or oscillation that transfers energy without transferring matter overall.
progressive wave
A definition has not been added for this term yet. Use the lesson sequence below to review where it appears.
Displacement
the distance moved in a specified direction from the starting point.
amplitude
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phase difference
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period
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frequency
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wavelength
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wave speed
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transverse wave
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longitudinal wave
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oscilloscope
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Doppler effect
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intensity
A definition has not been added for this term yet. Use the lesson sequence below to review where it appears.
electromagnetic spectrum
A definition has not been added for this term yet. Use the lesson sequence below to review where it appears.
polarisation
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Malus's law
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CRO
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Resource bank
- Lesson resources
- 8
- Topic resources
- 0
Open the relevant lesson first, then use its linked slides, worksheets, simulations, or practice tasks.
Syllabus CIE 9702 coverage in this topic
16 points across 5 lessons
Show details
CIE 9702 coverage in this topic
16 points across 5 lessons
7.1.1
describe what is meant by wave motion as illustrated by vibration in ropes, springs and ripple tanks
7.1.2
understand and use the terms displacement, amplitude, phase difference, period, frequency, wavelength and speed
7.1.3
understand the use of the time-base and y-gain of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO) to determine frequency and amplitude
7.1.4
derive, using the definitions of speed, frequency and wavelength, the wave equation v = f λ
7.1.5
recall and use v = f λ
7.1.6
understand that energy is transferred by a progressive wave
7.1.7
recall and use intensity = power/area and intensity ∝ (amplitude)2 for a progressive wave
7.2.1
compare transverse and longitudinal waves
7.2.2
analyse and interpret graphical representations of transverse and longitudinal waves
7.3.1
understand that when a source of sound waves moves relative to a stationary observer, the observed frequency is different from the source frequency (understanding of the Doppler effect for a stationary source and a moving observer is not required)
7.3.2
use the expression fο = f sv / (v ± vs) for the observed frequency when a source of sound waves moves relative to a stationary observer
7.4.1
state that all electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that travel with the same speed c in free space
7.4.2
recall the approximate range of wavelengths in free space of the principal regions of the electromagnetic spectrum from radio waves to γ-rays
7.4.3
recall that wavelengths in the range 400–700 nm in free space are visible to the human eye
7.5.1
understand that polarisation is a phenomenon associated with transverse waves
7.5.2
recall and use Malus’s law (I = I0 cos2θ ) to calculate the intensity of a plane-polarised electromagnetic wave after transmission through a polarising filter or a series of polarising filters (calculation of the effect of a polarising filter on the intensity of an unpolarised wave is not required)
Lessons
Lesson sequence
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Lesson
01Definitions and Equations (GCSE Recap)
Recap the core wave definitions and equations needed for AS-level work.
Lesson
02Oscilloscopes
Use oscilloscopes to interpret wave signals and measurements.
Lesson
03Doppler Effect & Redshift
Use the Doppler-effect equation for sound and connect the frequency-shift idea to redshift.
Lesson
04Amplitude & Intensity
Relate amplitude to wave properties and intensity.
Lesson
05Polarisation & EM Spectrum
Use polarisation as a distinguishing wave effect and connect it to the electromagnetic spectrum.
Lesson
06Wave Practice and Review
Consolidate Side B2a through structured wave practice and review.