Introduction to Waves (Edexcel GCSE Physics)

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Waves & Energy

  • Waves transfer energy and information
  • Waves are described as oscillations or vibrations about a fixed point
    • For example, ripples cause particles of water to oscillate up and down
    • Sound waves cause particles of air to vibrate back and forth

  • In all cases, waves transfer energy without transferring matter

Examples of Waves

  • Objects floating on water provide evidence that waves only transfer energy and not matter

Worked example

The diagram below shows a toy duck bobbing up and down on top of the surface of some water, as waves pass it underneath.Explain how the toy duck demonstrates that waves do not transfer matter.

Step 1: Identify the type of wave

    • The type of wave on the surface of a body of water is a transverse wave
    • This is because the duck is moving perpendicular to the direction of the wave

Step 2: Describe the motion of the toy duck

    • The plastic duck moves up and down but does not travel with the wave

Step 3: Explain how this motion demonstrates that waves do not transfer matter

    • Both transverse and longitudinal waves transfer energy, but not the particles of the medium
    • This means when a wave travels between two points, no matter actually travels with it, the points on the wave just vibrate back and forth about fixed positions
    • Objects floating on the water simply bob up and down when waves pass under them, demonstrating that there is no movement of matter in the direction of the wave, only energy

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

Expertise: Physics Project Lead

Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.