Topic: Waves, Sound and Light
Mechanics is divided into four chapters:
1. Base units and conversions
2. Transverse pulses and waves
3. Longitudinal pulses and waves
4. Electromagnetic radiation
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For each chapter you'll find:
a. Workbook chapter
b. Video lesson/s
c. Practice test and memo
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The interactive workbook chapter complements the video lessons available on YouTube. Download and print the workbook chapter, click on the link to the video lesson, and fill in the workbook chapter with definitions and examples as you follow along. At the end of each chapter (corresponding to the last video lesson) are past paper question examples.
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To assess your understanding, I encourage you to complete the practice test and check your answers using the memo at the end of each chapter.
1. Base units and conversions
Objectives:
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Gain a foundational understanding of the meaning of a base unit and metric prefixes.
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Develop the ability to convert between different units within the metric system, using multiplication or division as appropriate.
2. Transverse pulses and waves
Objectives:
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​Define a transverse pulse and a transverse wave.
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Define the principle of superposition, constructive interference and destructive interference.
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Apply the principle of superposition to pulses using diagrams.
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Define amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, crest and trough.
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Explain the wave concepts of in phase and out of phase.
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Use the relationship between frequency and period to solve problems.
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Define wave speed and use the wave speed equation to solve problems.​
3. Longitudinal pulses and waves
Objectives:
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Define a longitudinal pulse and longitudinal wave.
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Differentiate between longitudinal and transverse waves.
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Draw a diagram to represent a longitudinal wave.
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Define a compression and a rarefaction.
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Define the wavelength, amplitude, period, frequency and speed of a longitudinal wave.
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Use the relationship between frequency and period to solve problems.
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Define wave speed and use the wave speed equation to solve problems.
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Describe a sound wave as a longitudinal wave.
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Explain the relationship between sound wave speed and the properties of the medium in which the wave travels (solid, liquid or gas).
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Describe echoes as reflections of sound waves, learn about the flash-and-bang method and understand Sonar technology.
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Apply calculations to questions involving echoes, the flash-and-bang method and Sonar technology using: speed=distance/time
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Relate the pitch of a sound to the frequency of a sound wave.
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Relate the loudness of a sound to the amplitude of a sound wave.
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Relate tone as the quality of the sound.
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Distinguish between the graph shape of a pure note, music and noise.
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Describe the range of human hearing, ultrasound and infrasound.
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Explain how an image can be created using ultrasound.
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Describe some medical and other uses of ultrasound.​​​
4. Electromagnetic radiation
Objectives:
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Describe the source of electromagnetic waves.
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Describe how electromagnetic waves propagate.
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State that electromagnetic waves travel through space at a constant speed of c = 3×10^8 m.s^-1.
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Arrange different types of electromagnetic radiation in order of frequency or wavelength.
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Use the wave speed equation to solve problems.
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Provide examples of the use of each type of electromagnetic radiation.
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Indicate the penetrating ability of the different kinds of electromagnetic radiation and relate it to the energy of the radiation.
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Explain that some aspects of the behaviour of electromagnetic radiation can best be explained using a wave model and some aspects can best be explained using a particle model.
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Define a photon.
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Relate the energy of a photon to the frequency and wavelength of the light.
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Calculate the energy of a photon.