IBDP Physics – Topic C: Waves (C1–C5)
Summary Notes
C.1 Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
SHM: Oscillatory motion where the restoring force is proportional to
displacement and acts toward equilibrium.
Equation of SHM: a = -ω²x
Key parameters:
o Displacement: x
o Amplitude: A (max displacement)
o Period: T (time for one cycle), T = 1/f
o Frequency: f = ω / (2π)
o Angular frequency: ω = 2πf
Equations for SHM Systems
Mass-Spring System: T = 2π * sqrt(m/k)
Pendulum: T = 2π * sqrt(l/g)
Energy in SHM
Total Energy (constant): E_T = (1/2) * m * ω² * A²
KE max at equilibrium, PE max at extremes
Applications: Clocks (pendulums), vibrations in musical instruments, car
suspensions.
C.2 The Wave Model
Types of Waves
Mechanical (require medium, e.g., sound, water)
Electromagnetic (do not require medium, e.g., light, radio waves)
Wave Properties
Transverse Waves – Oscillations perpendicular to wave direction (e.g.,
light).
Longitudinal Waves – Oscillations parallel to wave direction (e.g., sound).
Wave Equation
v = fλ
where:
v = wave speed
f = frequency
λ = wavelength
Key Properties:
Amplitude (A) – Determines energy.
Wavelength (λ) – Distance between two consecutive crests/troughs.
Period (T) – Time for one complete wave cycle.
Frequency (f) – Number of waves per second.
C.3 Wave Phenomena
Reflection, Refraction, Diffraction, and Interference
Reflection: Wave bounces back (e.g., echo).
Refraction: Wave changes speed & direction at boundary. Snell’s Law:
n1 * sin(θ1) = n2 * sin(θ2)
Total Internal Reflection (TIR): Occurs when θ > θc (critical angle). Used
in fiber optics.
Diffraction: Bending of waves around obstacles/slits (more pronounced if
slit width ≈ λ).
Interference (Superposition Principle): Waves add up or cancel out.
o Constructive interference: Δx = nλ
o Destructive interference: Δx = (n+1/2) λ
Young’s Double-Slit Experiment
s = (λD) / d
where:
s = fringe separation
D = distance to screen
d = slit separation
λ = wavelength
C.4 Standing Waves & Resonance
Standing Wave: Two identical waves traveling in opposite directions
interfere.
o Nodes: Points of zero displacement.
o Antinodes: Points of max displacement.
Resonance: Object vibrates at natural frequency, increasing amplitude.
Equations for Standing Waves on Strings & Pipes
Fixed ends (strings):
L = (nλ) / 2
Open pipes:
L = (nλ) / 2
Closed pipes:
L = ((2n-1)λ) / 4
Applications: Musical instruments, bridges (resonance can cause collapse).
C.5 Doppler Effect
Change in frequency due to relative motion between source and observer
f' = f * (v / (v ± u))
where:
f' = observed frequency
f = actual frequency
v = speed of wave
u = speed of source/observer (+ if moving toward, - if moving away)
Relativistic Doppler Effect (for light waves):
Δf / f = v / c
Applications: Radar speed guns, Astronomy (redshift/blueshift), Medical
ultrasound.
