Waves: Sound and Light
A joined wave sequence from vibration and hearing to rays, reflection, refraction and colour.
How can waves transfer information and energy without carrying matter from source to receiver?
Vibrations, sound and light connect musical instruments, medical imaging, cameras, communication and the way our senses gather evidence.
Spiral links
This topic builds on and feeds forward to:
- Y7 P1: forces, measurement and space observations
- Y8 P4: energy transfer
- Y9 IGCSE Bridge: wave speed, electromagnetic waves and optics
Lessons in this topic
Waves
Core explanation, retrieval and Exam Practice.
Sound and energy transfer
Core explanation, retrieval and Exam Practice.
Amplitude and frequency
Practical connection: Microphone and oscilloscope
Detecting sound
Practical connection: Ear model
Echoes and ultrasound
Core explanation, retrieval and Exam Practice.
Investigating the speed of sound
Practical connection: Speed of sound investigation
Light
Core explanation, retrieval and Exam Practice.
Reflection
Core explanation, retrieval and Exam Practice.
Investigating reflection
Practical connection: Law of reflection
Refraction
Core explanation, retrieval and Exam Practice.
Investigating refraction
Practical connection: Law of refraction
The eye and the camera
Practical connection: Eye model
Colour
Core explanation, retrieval and Exam Practice.