Why do we put telescopes in space? The reason is not to get "closer" to the things we are trying to observe! Although the Earth's atmosphere extends much further, we generally think of space as starting about 100 km above the Earth's surface (see here for more details) and that's a tiny distance compared even … Continue reading Telescopes in Space
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Given that electromagnetic (EM) waves all have various things in common*, it makes sense to put them in order. We do this using their wavelength or frequency: it doesn't matter which one we choose because as wavelength increases, frequency decreases (and vice versa). Putting the different types of EM waves in order creates a spectrum … Continue reading The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Electromagnetic (EM) Waves
Electromagnetic (EM) waves are a family of different types of waves that have some specific properties in common; they all propagate (travel) at the same speedthey are all transverse wavesthey can all propagate through free space without the need for any medium The most common examples of EM wave are the various colours of visible … Continue reading Electromagnetic (EM) Waves
Sound: A Quick Recap
Sound is the most common example of a longitudinal wave (if you need a second example in an examination, mention seismic P waves from earthquakes). It is therefore important that you can describe and explain sound waves. This includes how the human ear works (in physics terms) and how microphones and loudspeakers link sound to … Continue reading Sound: A Quick Recap
Waves (w/b 30th March)
Okay everybody, this is where things start to get serious! We now know there will be no school until at least the start of May so you must get on with your studies or you will be seriously disadvantaged in next year's GCSE examinations. The current Y11 classes don't have exams but that won't apply … Continue reading Waves (w/b 30th March)
Home Learning 1 – Recap
We're going to start gently with our home learning: all you need to do for today is read a few pages in your revision guide then answer some questions and send me your work so that I can give you feedback. Read pages 56 to 59 in CGP GCSE Physics Complete Revision and Practice. The … Continue reading Home Learning 1 – Recap
Sound waves and sonic booms
When an object moves through the air, the noise it creates spreads out in all directions, moving away in waves that travel at the speed of sound. But what happens when the object is moving faster than the speed of sound? In this case, the sound waves that are trying to move ahead get overtaken … Continue reading Sound waves and sonic booms
Waves: note-taking task
One of the most important study skills is note-taking. Some students complain that they do too much writing so in the Waves topic we'll be trying out a different approach based on Cornell Notes. The method was covered in class but I've included a screen-grab here to remind you what it looks like - but … Continue reading Waves: note-taking task
Mr Tarrant's physbang 'blog 