Physics — Waves

Exam board: CCEA  |  Back to subjects

Board-Specific Note

CCEA specification; taken in Northern Ireland.

Learning Objectives

• Describe wave properties
• Use the wave equation
• Apply the Doppler effect

Key Points

• v = fλ
• Longitudinal vs transverse
• Doppler shift Δf = f·v/c

Lesson Plan (50 minutes)

1. Starter (5 min): Recall prior knowledge of waves with quick questions.
2. Teaching (15 min): Work through each of the learning objectives, explaining principles step by step.
3. Key points review (5 min): Revisit the key points together, confirming understanding.
4. Worked example (10 min): Model the example question: Speed of a wave with f = 50 Hz and λ = 6 m?. Solution: v = 50 × 6 = 300 m/s
5. Practice (10 min): Students attempt the practice questions independently; circulate and support.
6. Plenary (5 min): Review answers and address misconceptions.

Homework

• Find λ if v=340 m/s and f=100 Hz
• Is light transverse or longitudinal?
• Describe how frequency changes for a moving source

Assessment

Check practice answers against the model answer; use the built-in practice questions as formative assessment.