Wave Practice and Review

Overview

This lesson pulls together the full Side B2a waves sequence. You should practise recognising the question type first, then choosing the right definition, graph rule, equation, or explanation.

What You Need to Know

• Core definitions include displacement, amplitude, phase difference, period, frequency, wavelength, wave speed, transverse waves, and longitudinal waves.
• Core methods include v = f lambda, f = 1 / T, CRO scale readings, the Doppler equation, intensity = power / area, intensity-amplitude comparisons, and Malus’s law.
• Explanations should use diagrams where useful, especially for wavefronts, polarisation, and transverse or longitudinal motion.
• The aim is to identify weak areas before moving into superposition, interference, and stationary waves.

How to Work Through It

1. Start with retrieval practice on definitions, symbols, units, and spectrum order.
2. Complete mixed calculation questions covering wave speed, CRO traces, Doppler effect, intensity, and Malus’s law.
3. Review written explanations for precision, especially where diagrams are needed.
4. Finish by listing the two Side B2a skills that need the most follow-up before the next topic.

Check Your Understanding

• Which equation or model do you recognise most quickly?
• Which errors are caused by missing physics, and which are caused by units or algebra?
• Can you explain each wave phenomenon without relying only on a formula?
• What needs to be secure before starting superposition?

Common Mistakes

• Mixing up displacement-time and displacement-distance graphs.
• Forgetting time conversions when using CRO traces.
• Choosing the wrong Doppler sign because the source motion was not identified first.
• Comparing intensity using amplitude ratios without squaring the ratio.
• Describing polarisation without referring to transverse oscillations.

Next Steps

• Complete corrections from the practice lesson with the improved method shown.
• Revisit any weak Side B2a lesson page before starting Side B2b superposition.