SHS2 Physics · Semester 1 Week 16: Waves

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.2.2.LI.3 - Determine the amplitude, velocity, frequency, period, wavelength from a wave sinusoidal signal.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Read and interpret a sinusoidal wave signal to identify the amplitude, wavelength, and period directly from the graph.
Calculate the frequency of a wave from its period using the relationship f = 1/T.
Compute the velocity of a wave using the wave equation v = f × λ, given any two of the three quantities.
Solve problems that require extracting wave parameters from a sinusoidal signal and using them to determine an unknown quantity (e.g., finding wavelength when velocity and frequency are known).
Justify their answers by explaining the steps they took to extract each parameter from the wave signal, demonstrating strategic reasoning.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Energy (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Waves (2.2)
Content standard: 2.2.2.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the wave equation 2.2.2.LO.1 Deduce the wave equation to from the features of a periodic wave signal
Indicator: 2.2.2.LI.3 - Determine the amplitude, velocity, frequency, period, wavelength from a wave sinusoidal signal.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 16 (Week 16 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 112

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Collaborative learning: Let learners employ the definition of speed/velocity to establish the relationship between the speed, wavelength and frequency or the period.
Encourage self-awareness and personal growth by fostering an environment where learners feel comfortable sharing their reflections and experiences.
Assessment (2.2.2.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Audio-visuals
- Internet
- Projectors
- YouTube
- Interactive virtual laboratory
- Ripple tank
- Slinky
- Bowl of water