Edexcel Physics IGCSE - Topic 3: Waves

(a)   waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel

longitudinal waves oscillate (a)   to the direction of wave travel

What is the formula for calculating the speed of a wave?

• speed = frequency / wavelength

• frequency = speed * time

• time period = speed / wavelength

• speed = frequency * wavelength

The law of reflection says that the angle of incidence (a)   the angle of reflection

What are the main groups of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of decreasing wavelength and increasing frequency?

What is an example of a use of microwaves?

• Sterilising surgical equipment

• transmitting wifi signals

• chilling food

• conventional photography

What is an example of a use of UV radiation?

• Sterilising surgical equipment

• transmitting wifi signals

• Making images of the body

• People use it to get a tan

time period = 1 / (a)  

the equation for refraction is: n = ___ i / ___ r

(a)  

refractive index tells you

• how many waves will pass a point per second

• how much slower waves will travel in the new medium

• What direction light will go in when it reflects

• How dense the material is