A wave transfers energy without transferring matter. The SPM Physics waves chapter covers wave quantities, reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, sound and the electromagnetic spectrum.
This page sits under SPM Physics. It shows the order to study, one short example, and where to begin.
How do the waves lessons connect?
One relationship carries the chapter: speed = frequency × wavelength. Begin with relating speed, frequency and wavelength, then see what happens to each quantity in reflection, refraction and diffraction.
Reading interference patterns uses wavelength again, this time to predict bright and dark fringes. Comparing sound and electromagnetic waves sorts which properties belong to which type.
The last lesson, interpreting wave graphs without confusing axes, ties the quantities to pictures. Try the waves practice set when they feel steady.
What does one example look like?
An original ripple tank produces waves of frequency 4.0 Hz. A graph of displacement against distance shows a wavelength of 0.30 m, so the speed is 4.0 × 0.30 = 1.2 m s⁻¹.
The waves then enter a shallower region where the speed falls to 0.80 m s⁻¹. The frequency stays at 4.0 Hz, so the new wavelength is 0.80 ÷ 4.0 = 0.20 m. One formula handled the graph, the speed and the refraction.
Who should start where?
If you mix up wavelength and period on graphs, go straight to the graphs lesson and read the axis labels first. If calculations are fine but refraction explanations lose marks, go to the reflection, refraction and diffraction lesson.
If you are unsure of every step, follow the order above. To work through waves questions with a teacher, see online one-to-one SPM Physics tuition.