Resources
Episode 309: Generating Waves
From the Institute of Physics, this learning episode introduces the idea that vibrations can give rise to disturbances travelling outwards, i.e. to progressive waves. This illustrates some of the basic properties of waves. The activities include: • investigating transverse and longitudinal waves in a spring •...
Episode 310: Wave Graphs
In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students interpret graphs of waves to understand concepts such as wavelength, frequency and phase.
The activities in this episode include:
• plotting displacement and drawing longitudinal waves
• considering phase
• understanding...
Episode 311: Speed, Frequency and Wavelength
These activities, from the Institute of Physics, consider how speed, frequency and wavelength are linked by the wave equation v = fλ . This is achieved by measuring frequency using an oscilloscope and measuring the velocity of sound in free air.
The activities include:
* worked example to deduce and...
Episode 312: Preparation for Electromagnetic Waves Topic
This series of resources, produced by the Institute of Physics, develops the idea that there are several types of electromagnetic radiation, similar to light, all of which travel at the same speed in empty space. The topic is split into learning episodes which are self-contained activities that take one or two...
Episode 313: Polarisation
This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, help students to develop their idea of electromagnetic radiation and polarisation. The basic ideas are developed through demonstrations and experiments. The approach is non-mathematical. The activities include: * using polarising filters to observe polarisation...
Episode 314: Electromagnetic Radiation
In this learning episode from the Institute of Physics, through a demonstration and the production of a presentation, students extend their understanding of the nature of different types of electromagnetic radiation, and considers their shared nature.
The activities look at:
• using heat detector and...
Episode 315: The Inverse Square Law
In this learning episode, produced by the Institute of Physics, students investigate how the intensity of radiation decreases with distance from the source.
The activities include:
* demonstration and discussion on how radiation spreads
* worked example to illustrate thinking in proportions...
Episode 316: Preparation for Reflection and Refraction Topic
These activities, from the Institute of Physics, give an overview of reflection and refraction. The emphasis is on an interpretation in terms of waves. Applications, particularly those involving total internal reflection, are considered.
The series of learning episodes include:
Episode 317:...
Episode 317: Reflection and Refraction of Waves
This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, contains activities in which students look at reflection, refraction and Snell's law.
Through discussion, demonstration and practical experiments, students look at:
* reflection and refraction with a ripple tank
* the 'marching soldiers'...
Episode 318: Total Internal Reflection
Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode helps students to observe total internal reflection (TIR) as a consequence of refraction. Students use a semi-circular block to observe TIR and see how a fibre optic can be used to transmit information.
The activities include:
* ray tracing...