Edexcel IGCSE Physics · Section 3
Waves
Transverse and longitudinal waves, reflection, refraction, sound, light, electromagnetic waves and wave calculations.
What this section covers
This section covers wave behaviour, wave equations and the main practical ideas used in IGCSE Physics.
- Describe transverse and longitudinal waves.
- Use wave speed, frequency and wavelength calculations.
- Explain reflection, refraction and electromagnetic wave uses.
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1
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Wave Properties and the Doppler Effect
Spec 3.1-3.8
Covers compare transverse and longitudinal waves, Use wave measurements and the wave equation correctly and Explain wavefronts and the Doppler effect.
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2
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Wave Speed: Using the Equation
Spec 3.6-3.7
Worked examples using the wave speed equation.
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3
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Investigating Waves
Spec 3.8
Required practical: investigating waves in a ripple tank and on a string.
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4
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The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Spec 3.10-3.14
The electromagnetic spectrum, its order, and the uses and dangers of each type.
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5
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Visible Colours, Electromagnetic Uses and Hazards
Spec 3.11-3.13
Covers order visible-light colours, Match named waves to uses and Explain hazards and protection.
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6
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Reflection & Refraction of Light
Spec 3.15-3.17
How light reflects and refracts, shown with ray diagrams.
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7
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Refraction in Rectangular Blocks, Prisms and Semicircles
Spec 3.17
Covers trace rays through three glass shapes, Measure angles from the normal and Explain why semicircular blocks are useful.
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8
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Refractive Index & Total Internal Reflection
Spec 3.18-3.20
Refractive index and total internal reflection.
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9
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Refractive Index: Using the Equations
Spec 3.18-3.20
Worked examples using the refractive index equations.
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11
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Reflection and Refraction of Sound
Spec 3.23
Covers explain echoes, Explain refraction of sound and Apply the ideas to atmospheric sound.
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12
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Lenses & Ray Diagrams
Spec 3.24
Converging and diverging lenses and how to draw ray diagrams.
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13
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Finding Frequency with an Oscilloscope (Paper 2)
Spec 3.27P
Covers set up a microphone and oscilloscope, Find the period from a trace and Calculate frequency using f = 1/T.
Frequently asked questions
What is the wave speed equation?
Wave speed = frequency × wavelength (v = f λ).
What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?
In transverse waves the vibrations are at right angles to the direction of travel; in longitudinal waves they are along it.
What is the order of the electromagnetic spectrum?
From longest wavelength to shortest: radio, microwave, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays.
What is total internal reflection?
When light hits a boundary at more than the critical angle it is all reflected back — used in optical fibres.
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