Representing transverse waves
I can interpret and sketch displacement-time graphs of transverse waves.
Representing transverse waves
I can interpret and sketch displacement-time graphs of transverse waves.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A displacement-time graph of a wave is a representation of a wave.
- A displacement-time graph of a wave shows how the displacement at one point varies as the wave passes
- The distance between two wave crests on a displacement-time graph is equal to the period of the wave
- The period of a wave, T, is equal to the time of one complete oscillation
- Frequency is equal to 1 / period
Keywords
Wave medium - the wave medium is the material that a wave can move through.
Displacement - displacement at a point of a wave is the distance that the wave medium is from its rest position.
Period (of a wave) - period (of a wave), T, is the time for a complete wave to pass any point, which is the same as the time to make one complete wave.
Frequency - frequency is the number of waves produced each second. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).
Common misconception
A displacement-time graph is a picture of a wave.
Interpret and sketch displacement-time graphs of waves that are compared to descriptions of each wave.
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Representing transverse waves, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Representing transverse waves, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Measuring waves unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions






Exit quiz
6 Questions



