H2 Physics 9478 · Topic 10
Waves and superposition: models, interference and diffraction
Use signed displacement and phase consistently across time and space, then apply superposition to standing waves, interference and diffraction without confusing their distinct conditions.
Before you begin
Study each reviewed objective cluster, then use the recorded diagnostic and repair plan. H2 practice evidence remains separate from H1 and H3.
Be comfortable with: Oscillations objective chainQuantities & Measurement objective chain
Learn in order
Lesson route
Objective clusters
- 01Wave models, quantities, graphs and transfer 10(a)–(f)Learn and apply 6 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 02Intensity, amplitude and inverse-square spreading 10(g)–(h)Learn and apply 2 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 03Polarisation and Malus' law 10(i)–(j)Learn and apply 2 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 04Superposition and standing-wave experiments 11(a)–(d)Learn and apply 4 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 05Two-source interference and Young double slit 11(e)–(h)Learn and apply 4 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 06Diffraction-grating maxima and wavelength 11(i)–(j)Learn and apply 2 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 07Single-aperture diffraction and Rayleigh resolution 11(k)–(m)Learn and apply 3 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
Prove your understanding
Practice and repair
Key ideas and reference
Use this concise Waves and superposition: models, interference and diffraction checklist to locate the right objective cluster. Full definitions, derivations and worked examples stay in the linked lessons.
- Use signed displacement and phase consistently across time and space, then apply superposition to standing waves, interference and diffraction without confusing their distinct conditions.
- Wave models, quantities, graphs and transfer 10(a)–(f)
- Intensity, amplitude and inverse-square spreading 10(g)–(h)
- Polarisation and Malus' law 10(i)–(j)
- Superposition and standing-wave experiments 11(a)–(d)
- Two-source interference and Young double slit 11(e)–(h)
Course coverage and review details
Topic 10 states no explicit exclusions. Topic 11(j) does not require knowledge of spectrometer structure or use. Graph interpretations distinguish time traces at one position from spatial profiles at one instant, and all small-angle equations are used only with their stated geometry.
Coverage is reviewed against 9478 topic 10(a)–(j), PDF page 19; topic 11(a)–(m), PDF page 20. Selected-response progress does not by itself prove constructed, diagrammatic or practical performance.
Reviewed 2026-08-01