WJEC GCSE Science Double Award: Waves (Unit 3, Physics 1) overview
An overview of the Waves module in WJEC GCSE Science Double Award (Unit 3, Physics 1), mapping the features of waves, reflection and refraction, total internal reflection, and the electromagnetic spectrum.
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The Waves module gathers the waves content of Physics 1 in WJEC GCSE Science Double Award. It explains what waves are, how they reflect and refract, and the family of electromagnetic waves. This page maps the module and links to a focused answer page for each part.
The topics in this module
- Features of waves
- Transverse and longitudinal waves, the wave features, and the wave equation. See Features of waves.
- Reflection and refraction
- The law of reflection and why waves refract when they change speed. See Reflection and refraction.
- Total internal reflection
- The critical angle and the use of total internal reflection in optical fibres and prisms. See Total internal reflection.
- The electromagnetic spectrum
- The seven types in order, with their uses and dangers. See The electromagnetic spectrum.
How this module fits the exam
These topics sit in Unit 3 (Physics 1), a written paper of 1 hour 15 minutes worth 15%. Questions mix recall (wave types, the spectrum), calculation (the wave equation) and explanation (refraction, total internal reflection).
How to study this module
- Learn the wave features and equation. Amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, and v = f x lambda.
- Master reflection and refraction. Angles from the normal; refraction caused by a change in speed.
- Understand total internal reflection. The critical angle and uses in optical fibres and prisms.
- Memorise the spectrum. The order, with a use and a danger for each type.
- Practise calculations. Use the wave equation and the frequency-period relationship.
Then test yourself with the module quiz.