IGCSE Physics key definitions waves

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IGCSE Physics Key Definitions For 0625 AND 0972 

Motion , Forces and Energy

Syllabus Objectives

Syllabus Objectives

OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this section, you will be able to :

  • Define key terms for IGCSE Physics for 0625 and 0972 (9-1)  for the topic waves
  • Understand how marks have been allotted in the examination questions  for defining various quantities based on the lesson waves
  • Become extremely confident in defining various terms using the correct scientific vocabulary as per the syllabus requirements for the topic on waves

3.1 General properties of waves

  • Define Wave motion: Wave motion is the transfer of energy from one place to another, without  transferring matter.
  • Define Wavefront: Wavefront is the imaginary line joining all the crests on a wave.
  • Define Wavelength: Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests, two consecutive troughs or between any two points in phase.
  • Define Frequency:Frequency is defined as the number of vibrations passing trough a point per unit time.
  • Define Transverse wave: A  transverse wave ia a wave in which  the direction of vibration is at right angles to the direction of propagation . Examples include: electromagnetic radiation, water waves and seismic S-waves (secondary) can be modelled as transverse.
  • Define Longitudinal wave: For a longitudinal wave, the direction of vibration is parallel to the direction of propagation . Examples include: sound waves and seismic P-waves (primary) .
  • Define Refraction: It is the bending of light when light changes media.
  • Define Reflection: It is the bouncing back of waves after hitting a surface.
  • Define Diffraction: Diffraction is the spreading of waves around obstacles.
  • Define Angle of incidence: It is the angle between the incident ray and the normal.
  • Define Angle of refection: It is the angle between the reflected ray and the normal.
  • Define Normal:A normal is a perpendicular line drawn to a surface , at the exact point where the incident ray hits the surface
  • Define Plane mirror: A plane mirror is a mirror with a flat reflecting surface.
  • Define Critical angle: Critical angle is that angle of incidence , for which the angle of refraction is 900.
  • Define optical fibre: An optical fibre is a fibre that is made of silica or plastic , with a diameter just slightly greater than  a human hair. It is by nature flexible and transparent .
  • Refractive index: Refractive index is a measure of the bending of light ray when light changes media. It is the ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum to its velocity in a specified medium.
  • Total internal reflection: Total internal reflection is when all light rays are only totally internally reflected. This happens when the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle.
  • Converging lens: A converging lens is a lens that allows  all the parallel  rays of light passing through it, to converge at a point.
  • Diverging lens: A diverging lens is a lens that causes the parallel rays of light incident on it to diverge and  for a virtual image.
  • Thin lens: A thin lens is a lens that has a negligible  thickness  in comparison  to the radii of curvature of the lens surfaces.
  • Virtual image: A virtual image is an image formed by  rays of light  that do not actually meet to form that image. A virtual image is formed when diverging rays are extrapolated backwards and does not form a visible projection on a screen
  • Real image:A real image is an image formed by  rays of light actually meeting at a point to form that image. 
  • Dispersion of light: The splitting of white light into its constituent colours  when it is incident on a prism is called as dispersion of light.
  • Spectrum: A band of colours formed as a result of dispersion is called as a spectrum.
  • Monochromatic light: The visible light of a single frequency is described as monochromatic.
  • Electromagnetic spectrum: An electromagnetic spectrum consists of a range of all types of electromagnetic radiations.
  • Compressions : These are high pressure regions on a pressure wave( longitudinal wave)
  • Rarefactions: These are low pressure regions on a pressure wave( longitudinal wave).

 

 

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Note: All  model solutions are detailed , sums are solved step-by-step  as per the requirements of the mark schemes.

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