Mini Physics
Part of Mini EducationSwitch subject

Waves

Learn how vibrations generate waves, how waves transfer energy, and how electromagnetic waves are used.

  • SEC G1 Science 2027
  • 4 lessons
Start topic

Before you begin

Vibrations generate waves, and waves transfer energy. The lessons start with how waves are made and described by amplitude, frequency and wavelength, then turn to the uses of electromagnetic waves.

Learning goals
  • Generating waves
  • Energy transfer by waves
  • Amplitude, frequency and wavelength
  • Radio waves
  • Microwaves
  • Infrared
  • Light
  • Ultraviolet
  • X-rays
  • Gamma rays
Syllabus statements covered
  • describe how waves can be generated by vibrations, as illustrated by wave motion in ropes and springs (the terms longitudinal and transverse are not required)
  • show an understanding that waves transfer energy
  • show an understanding of the terms amplitude, frequency and wavelength used to describe wave motion
  • state some uses of the following types of waves: — radio waves (e.g. radio and television communications)
  • state some uses of the following types of waves: — microwaves (e.g. microwave oven, satellite communication)
  • state some uses of the following types of waves: — infrared (e.g. remote-controlled devices)
  • state some uses of the following types of waves: — light (e.g. optical fibres for telecommunication)
  • state some uses of the following types of waves: — ultraviolet (e.g. sterilisation, sunbeds)
  • state some uses of the following types of waves: — X-rays (e.g. engineering and radiological applications)
  • state some uses of the following types of waves: — gamma rays (e.g. medical treatment)

Lessons

Work through them in order.

  1. Generation TransferExplain how a vibration makes a wave that transfers energy while the material stays in place.
  2. Wave TermsMeasure amplitude, wavelength and frequency from a wave diagram, with the correct units.
  3. Communication, Heating and Control ApplicationsMatch radio waves, microwaves, infrared and light to their uses in communication, heating and control.
  4. Sterilisation, Imaging and Treatment ApplicationsMatch ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays to their uses in sterilisation, imaging and medical treatment.

Practise and check

Recommended nextWaves topic check

Topic reference

Read amplitude, wavelength and frequency from a waveA learner-visible wave drawing labels the equilibrium line, a 3 centimetre equilibrium-to-crest amplitude, and a 30 centimetre crest-to-crest wavelength. A separate observation states that 12 complete cycles pass in 4 seconds.amplitude = 3 cmwavelength = 30 cmsource vibratesenergy transferequilibrium12 complete cycles pass in 4 sfrequency = 12 ÷ 4 = 3 Hz
Scroll diagram horizontally to read all labels.
Inspect the references before calculating: amplitude is equilibrium to one crest, wavelength is between consecutive crests, and frequency is 12 cycles divided by 4 seconds.

What G1 does not need

G1 Science does not require the terms transverse and longitudinal, period or wave-speed calculations.

Electromagnetic-wave uses

Radio waves support radio and television communication; microwaves support ovens and satellite communication; infrared supports remote controls; light carries telecommunications in optical fibres; ultraviolet can sterilise; X-rays support engineering and radiological imaging; gamma rays are used in medical treatment.