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Exit to G3 Physics and O-Level Waves Hub

Waves & Sound Explorer

Adjust wave quantities live, compare transverse and longitudinal displays, and solve sound/echo checkpoints from the diagram.

  • SEC G3 Physics 2027
Learning goals
  • Describe wave generation by vibrating sources, ropes and springs
  • Describe ripple-tank waves using wavefronts
  • Explain that waves transfer energy
  • Explain that wave energy transfer does not transfer matter
  • Use amplitude, frequency and wavelength to describe wave motion

Interactive stageLive model

Loading the interactive model…The interactive model did not load. Try again reloads this page; the explanation and worked content here are still available.

Change one variable at a time and watch the model respond.

Wave setup

Main controls
1.2 cm
3.0 Hz
1.2 m
Sound and echo
Echo scenario
40 m

Wave checkpoint

What to notice:

Prediction target:

      Practice run

      Choose a mode and checkpoint count when you want scoring.

      Run mode
      Try Waves Quiz

      Choose your checkpoint count for guided or challenge mode.

      Study lensRelate amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, and wave speed consistently.10 min activity

      Try this

      Change one variable at a time, then state what changes physically before looking at the numbers.

      Learn to

      • Relate amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, and wave speed consistently.
      • Compare transverse and longitudinal wave representations, including compression and rarefaction for sound.
      • Use echo travel time to reason about distance with the return-path factor.

      Exam transfer

      • Wave reasoning
      • Sound
      • Echo

      Governing idea

      Wave speed obeys v = fλ. For an echo, the measured time covers the outward and return journey, so distance = vt/2.

      Model boundary

      Waves are treated as regular and monochromatic. Dispersion, diffraction geometry, absorption, and complex reflections are simplified.

      Avoid this trap

      When a wave enters a new medium, its frequency is set by the source and stays constant; speed and wavelength change together.

      How to explore

      Tune wave quantities live, switch wave type, and practise echo reasoning without mixing up the terms.

      Predict the outcome, change one variable at a time, then interpret the result. Completion records participation only and does not award mastery.

      About this activity

      Adjust wave quantities live, compare transverse and longitudinal displays, and solve sound/echo checkpoints from the diagram. A text explanation and no-JavaScript route remain available.

      How this activity affects progress
      Course and syllabus information
      Course
      SEC G3 Physics
      Edition
      SEC G3 Physics 2027