IGCSE Physics 0625: Section 3 Properties of waves, including
light and sound
Topic: 3.1 General wave properties
Notes and study guide with exam type definition
Checklist
Topic Core Extended
3 Properties of
waves,
including light
and sound
3.1 General • Demonstrate • Recall and use the ⃣
wave properties understanding that ⃣ equation v = f λ
waves transfer energy • Describe how
without transferring wavelength and gap size ⃣
matter affects diffraction
• Describe what is meant through a gap
by wave motion as ⃣ • Describe how
illustrated by vibration wavelength affects
in ropes and springs and diffraction at an edge ⃣
by experiments using
water waves
• Use the term wavefront
• Give the meaning of ⃣
speed, frequency,
wavelength and ⃣
amplitude
• Distinguish between
transverse and
longitudinal waves and
give suitable examples ⃣
• Describe how waves
can undergo:
– reflection at a plane
surface
– refraction due to a ⃣
change of speed
– diffraction through a
narrow gap
• Describe the use of
water waves to
demonstrate reflection,
refraction, and
diffraction
3.2 Light
3.2.1 Reflection • Describe the formation ⃣ • Recall that the image ⃣
of light of an optical image by a in a plane mirror is
plane mirror, and give its virtual
characteristics • Perform simple
• Recall and use the law constructions, ⃣
angle of incidence = ⃣ measurements, and
angle of reflection calculations for
reflection by plane
mirrors
3.2.2 Refraction • Describe an ⃣ • Recall and use the ⃣
of light experimental definition of refractive
demonstration of the index n in terms of
refraction of light speed
• Use the terminology • Recall and use the
for the angle of ⃣ equation (sin i÷ sin r = ⃣
incidence i and angle of n)
refraction r and describe • Recall and use n = 1÷
the passage of light sin c
through parallel-sided • Describe and explain ⃣
transparent material the action of optical
• Give the meaning of fibres particularly in
critical angle medicine and ⃣
• Describe internal and ⃣ communications
total internal reflection technology
3.2.3 Thin • Describe the action of a ⃣ • Draw and use ray ⃣
converging lens thin converging lens on a diagrams for the
beam of light formation of a virtual
• Use the terms principal image by a single lens
focus and focal length ⃣ • Use and describe the
• Draw ray diagrams for use of a single lens as a ⃣
the formation of a real magnifying glass
image by a single lens ⃣ • Show understanding of
• Describe the nature of the terms real image and
an image using the terms virtual image ⃣
enlarged/same
size/diminished and ⃣
upright/ inverted
3.2.4 Dispersion • Give a qualitative ⃣ • Recall that light of a ⃣
of light account of the dispersion single frequency is
of light as shown by the described as
action on light of a glass monochromatic
prism including the
seven colours of the
spectrum in their correct
order
3.3 • Describe the main ⃣ • State that the speed of ⃣
Electromagnetic features of the electromagnetic waves
spectrum electromagnetic in a vacuum is 3.0 × 108
spectrum in order of m/s and is
wavelength approximately the same
• State that all in air
electromagnetic waves ⃣
travel with the same high
speed in a vacuum
• Describe typical
properties and uses of
radiations in all the ⃣
different regions of the
electromagnetic
spectrum including:
– radio and television
communications (radio
waves)
– satellite television and
telephones (microwaves)
– electrical appliances,
remote controllers for
televisions and intruder
alarms (infrared)
– medicine and security
(X-rays)
• Demonstrate an
awareness of safety
issues regarding the use
of microwaves and X-
rays ⃣
3.4 Sound • Describe the ⃣ • Describe compression ⃣
production of sound by and rarefaction
vibrating sources • State typical values of
• Describe the the speed of sound in ⃣
longitudinal nature of ⃣ gases, liquids and solids
sound waves
• State that the
approximate range of
audible frequencies for a ⃣
healthy human ear is
20Hz to 20000Hz
• Show an understanding
of the term ultrasound
• Show an understanding
that a medium is needed ⃣
to transmit sound waves
• Describe an experiment
to determine the speed of ⃣
sound in air
• Relate the loudness and
pitch of sound waves to
amplitude and frequency ⃣
• Describe how the
reflection of sound may
produce an echo
⃣
