Waves

About this lab: Waves

Interactive simulation for Cambridge AS Level Physics 9702 topic 7 Waves: a progressive wave with its displacement-position snapshot and displacement-time graph for a chosen particle, wavelength, period, v = fλ and phase difference, a transverse rope and a longitudinal slinky side by side with compressions and rarefactions marked, a moving sound source with its crowded and stretched wavefronts and the Doppler formula, the electromagnetic spectrum on a log scale with frequencies and uses, and unpolarised light through a polariser and analyser following I = I₀cos²θ.

Progressive waves and their two graphs, transverse and longitudinal motion, the Doppler effect, the electromagnetic spectrum and polarisation with Malus's law

Waves is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 (topic 7 Waves). The course is assessed in Paper 1 (multiple choice), Paper 2 (AS structured), Paper 3 (advanced practical), Paper 4 (A Level structured) and Paper 5 (planning, analysis and evaluation). There are 5 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.

Syllabus coverage

• 7.1 Progressive waves: Wave motion: ropes, springs, and ripple tanks; Displacement, amplitude, phase difference, period, frequency; Using a CRO: time-base and y-gain for frequency and amplitude; Deriving and using v = fλ; Energy transfer and intensity ∝ amplitude². Lessons: Progressive waves.
• 7.2 Transverse and longitudinal waves: Comparing transverse and longitudinal waves; Graphical representations and their interpretation. Lessons: Transverse and longitudinal waves.
• 7.3 Doppler effect for sound waves: Moving source, stationary observer; Using f₀ = fₛv ÷ (v ± vₛ). Lessons: The Doppler effect.
• 7.4 Electromagnetic spectrum: EM waves: transverse and travelling at c in free space; Wavelength ranges from radio to gamma; Visible light: 400–700 nm. Lessons: The electromagnetic spectrum.
• 7.5 Polarisation: Polarisation as a property of transverse waves; Malus's law: I = I₀ cos²θ. Lessons: Polarisation.

Full syllabus map: AS Level Physics 9702 topic 7.

How to use this simulation

1. 1. Progressive waves.
2. 2. Transverse and longitudinal.
3. 3. Doppler effect.
4. 4. Electromagnetic spectrum.
5. 5. Polarisation.
6. The buttons at the end of the tab strip give the scene the whole window (Full screen, Hide controls) and, on a dark stage, a projector-friendly palette (Light scene). Many scenes also have drag handles: drag them to change the set-up directly.

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