IB1 physics Unit C: Wave Behaviour Checklist
C.1 Simple Harmonic Motion
1. Explain the two conditions necessary for an object to oscillate with Simple Harmonic Motion
2. Recognise and use the defining equation for SHM, understanding the significance of the
negative sign in a = -ω²x
3. Define time period T, frequency f, angular frequency ⍵, amplitude A, equilibrium position and
displacement in terms of a particle in SHM
4. Calculate time period , T for one complete oscillation for (1) a particle undergoing SHM, (2) a
mass-spring system and (3) a simple pendulum
5. Describe the energy changes during one oscillation of an object undergoing SHM
6. Sketch and interpret graphs of examples of simple harmonic motion (including
displacement-time, velocity-time, acceleration-time and acceleration-displacement graphs)
C.1 Simple Harmonic Motion (HL Only)
7. Understand and explain how the phase angle ϕ is used to describe the state of a particle
undergoing simple harmonic motion.
8. Calculate properties of an SHM oscillator
9. Describe the interchange of kinetic and potential energy during SHM, and solve problems
using both graphical and algebraic methods
C.2 Wave Model
1. Explain the motion of particles for both transverse and longitudinal waves
2. Sketch and interpret displacement-distance graphs and displacement-time graphs for
transverse and longitudinal waves
3. Define wavelength, frequency, time period, wave speed and amplitude
4. Be able to derive v=fλ and solve problems using this equation
5. Compare the nature of sound waves and electromagnetic waves
C.3 Wave Phenomena
1. Explain that waves travelling in two and three dimensions can be described through the
concepts of wavefronts and rays
2. Define wave behaviour at boundaries in terms of reflection, refraction and transmission
3. Describe and sketch wave diffraction around a body and through an aperture
4. Sketch incident, reflected and transmitted wavefronts/rays between media (i.e. refraction)
5. Solve problems involving Snell's law, critical angle and total internal reflection
6. Be able to calculate the superposition of two waves / wave pulses
7. Describe the conditions necessary for double source interference
8. State the conditions necessary for constructive and destructive interference as given by path
length difference
9. Understand the significance of Thomas Young's double slit experiment in the proof of light as
a wave. Select and use s=λD/d for double slit experiments
C.3 Wave Phenomena (HL ONLY)
1. Single Slit Diffraction at normal incidence through a rectangular slit: Describe the effect of
changing the slit width Determine the position of the first interference medium Describe
diffraction pattern produced from monochromatic light
2. Describe the interference pattern produced by a double slit on a screen, including the
modulation by the single slit diffraction effect
3. Sketch and interpret intensity graphs of double slit interference patterns
4. Distinguish between the width of the slits and the separation of the slits in accounting for their
effects on intensity graphs
5. Recognise that multiple slits and diffraction gratings can create interference patterns by
considering path difference (for white light and a range of monochromatic light). Select and use
nλ=dsinθ for diffraction grating problems
C.4 Standing Waves and Resonance
1. Describe the conditions necessary for the formation of standing waves
2. Draw diagrams and identify nodes and antinodes, relative amplitude and phase difference of
points along a standing wave
3. Describe the formation of standing waves in terms of superposition (standing wave patterns
in strings and pipes). Boundary conditions for: Strings: two fixed boundaries, one fixed and one
free boundary, and two free boundaries Pipes: two closed ends, one closed and one open end,
and two open ends
4. Solve problems involving the frequency of a harmonic, length of the standing wave and the
speed of the wave
5. Explain and give examples useful and destructive resonance including natural frequency and
amplitude of oscillation based on driving frequency
6. Graphically describe the variation of the amplitude of vibration with driving frequency of an
object close to its natural frequency of vibration
7. Describe the effects of light, critical and heavy damping on the system
C.5 Doppler Effect
1. Sketch and interpret the Doppler effect (for sound and electromagnetic waves) when there is
relative motion between source and observer
2. Describe situations where the Doppler effect can be used (i.e. radars, red-shift of receding
galaxies, moving objects emitting sound, ultrasounds reflected from blood cells, radars, etc.)
3. Recognise that electromagnetic waves (i.e. red-shift of galaxies) requires that the
approximation equation should be used
4. Explain how shifts in spectral lines provide information about the motion of bodies like stars
and galaxies in space.
C.5 Doppler Effect (HL Only)
5. Solve problems involving the change in frequency or wavelength observed due to the Doppler
effect to determine the velocity of the source/observer
