Co-ordinated Sciences Physics P3: Waves
Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences 0654 Physics P3 notes with worked examples, misconceptions and assessment guidance.
Physics P3 of Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences 0654 covers general wave properties, reflection, refraction, converging lenses, dispersion, the electromagnetic spectrum and sound.
General Properties of Waves
Q: What does Cambridge IGCSE Physics Notes 3.1: General Properties of Waves cover?
A: It follows official Cambridge Physics section 3.1 for syllabuses 0625 and 0972, with Core ideas separated from Supplement depth.
Waves transfer energy without net transfer of matter and are described by amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, and speed.
The ideas that organise this section
- Classify waves by the direction of vibration relative to travel.
- Frequency is set by the source, while speed and wavelength respond to the medium.
- Diffraction is most noticeable when wavelength is comparable with the gap or obstacle size.
Core route
Core candidates should be ready to describe, calculate, interpret, and apply the following:
- Describe transverse and longitudinal waves and use wavefront diagrams.
- Calculate wave speed, frequency, wavelength, and period.
- Describe reflection, refraction, and diffraction using ripple-tank or other examples.
Supplement route
Extended candidates study all Core content and add the following depth:
- Explain refraction as a speed change while frequency remains constant.
- Relate diffraction strength to wavelength and gap size.
- Use displacement-distance and displacement-time graphs without confusing their horizontal axes.
Formula route
- Relationship: wave speed = frequency x wavelength.
- Relationship: frequency = 1 / period.
Write the relationship before substituting. Convert units first, keep extra figures during working, and round only the final answer to sensible precision.
Worked reasoning example
When water waves enter shallower water, their speed and wavelength decrease while frequency stays fixed by the source.
For explanation questions, state the physical principle, apply it to the named system, then give the consequence. A formula or keyword by itself is not a complete explanation.
A reliable answer method
- Identify the quantity, law, graph feature, or physical model being tested.
Check this topic from memory
Attempt the matching topic bank before reopening the notes. Use each missed idea to decide what to review next.
Start the topic quiz