Resources

Episode 319: Preparation for Superposition of Waves Topic

This series of learning episodes, from the Institute of Physics, looks at how waves add together by superposition. It follows a 'conceptual approach' by looking at superposition itself, followed by interference fringes and then diffraction.

The episodes in this topic are:

Episode 320:...

Episode 320: Superposition

This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, introduces the basic idea of superposition of waves, explaining what happens when two or more waves meet.

The activities include:
• recapping students’ knowledge and understanding of waves
• demonstration of waves using a rope
•...

Episode 321: Interference Patterns

This learning episode from the Institute of Physics covers the constructive and destructive interference of waves.

Through discussion, student experiments and teacher demonstrations, students look at:
* simple interference of waves
* waves from two sound sources
* demonstration of Young's...

Episode 322: Diffraction Gratings

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students look at different light sources through diffraction gratings. Using this system, students measure the wavelength of a laser and derive the grating formula.

The activities include:
* looking through gratings
* deriving the grating...

Episode 323: Diffraction

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students observe diffraction using a ripple tank or laser.

The activities include:
* simple ways to observe diffraction
* demonstration of diffraction using a ripple tank or laser
* deriving the formula for minima in the diffraction...

Episode 324: Stationary or Standing Waves

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students look at standing waves in musical instruments and measure their wavelength. Microwaves are used to estimate the speed of light.

The activities include:
* demonstrating waves in a rope
* how superposition results in standing waves...

Episode 3: Exploring the Infrared Universe

Rebecca Barnes investigates the infrared Universe, explores discoveries made by ground-breaking infrared space telescopes, and takes a look at Herschel - ESA's pioneering infrared space telescope.

Episode 400: Preparation for Gravitational Fields Topic *suitable for home teaching*

This series of sessions, produced by the Institute of Physics, develops the idea that Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation is precisely that; universal. Every single object with a mass in the universe gravitationally attracts every other object with mass. By following the learning episodes in this topic, students...

Episode 401: Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students discuss and see worked examples that introduce Newton’s law of universal gravitation for point and spherical masses. Students practice calculations of the force between objects. The meaning of the inverse square law is discussed. Activities include...

Episode 402: Fields, Field Lines and Field Strength

This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, introduces the notion of a field of force and how it can be diagrammatically represented using field lines. The actual strength of the field at a point in space is defined by the field strength. The activities include: • discussing fields and field lines •...