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General properties of waves
Understand that waves carry energy without moving matter from one place to another.
7
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70
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49
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90 min
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CambridgeIGCSECombined ScienceWaves
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General properties of waves outcomes7 objectives
- Understand that waves carry energy without moving matter from one place to another.
- Explain wave motion using examples of vibrations in ropes and springs, as well as through experiments with water waves.
- Identify and describe the characteristics of a wave, including wavelength, frequency, crest, trough, amplitude, and wave speed.
- Explain how waves can reflect off a flat surface and refract when their speed changes.
- Recall and apply the formula for calculating wave speed, represented as v = f λ.
- Recognize that in a transverse wave, the vibration direction is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel, and identify examples such as electromagnetic radiation, water waves, and seismic S-waves.
- Understand that in a longitudinal wave, the vibration direction is parallel to the direction of wave travel, with sound waves and seismic P-waves as examples.
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