The document provides an introduction to waves, explaining their ability to transfer energy and information without matter, along with their types: transverse and longitudinal. It describes key wave characteristics such as amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and wave velocity, and includes methods for measuring wave speed and interactions like reflection, refraction, and absorption. Additionally, it outlines practical experiments to investigate wave properties and emphasizes important safety considerations.

1. Introduction to Waves
• Waves transfer energy and information
without transferring matter.
• Examples include water ripples and sound
waves.
• Types: Transverse and Longitudinal waves.

2. Describing Wave Motion
• Amplitude: Maximum displacement from the
undisturbed position.
• Wavelength: Distance between two similar
points on consecutive waves.
• Frequency: Number of waves passing a point
per second.
• Wave velocity: Speed of the wave.

3. Transverse & Longitudinal Waves
• Transverse waves: Vibrations perpendicular to
energy transfer.
• Longitudinal waves: Vibrations parallel to
energy transfer.
• Examples: Light (transverse) and sound
(longitudinal).

4. The Wave Equation
• Wave speed (v) = frequency (f) × wavelength
(λ).
• Worked example included for calculation of
wave parameters.

5. Measuring Wave Speed
• Method 1: Sound between two points.
• Method 2: Using echoes.
• Method 3: Using an oscilloscope.

6. Calculating Depth & Distance
• Using the time of reflected sound waves to
calculate depth.
• Worked examples provided.

7. Wave Interactions
• Reflection: Wave bounces off a surface.
• Refraction: Wave changes speed and direction
at boundaries.
• Absorption: Wave energy absorbed by
material.

8. Core Practical: Investigating Wave
Properties
• Experiment 1: Water waves in a ripple tank.
• Experiment 2: Stationary waves on a vibrating
string.
• Key safety considerations.