How to work with Required Practicals: Part 8 and 9
One of the required practicals for your physics exams is all about waves. But before you start revising, why not learn a little more about water waves and the sea.
Certain waves, known as swell waves can actually travel thousands of miles before reaching the shore. Storms and winds form these waves in the middle of oceans, and they carry huge amounts of energy and momentum to keep them moving. Because waves carry so much energy, they are able to create the coastal landscapes. The relentless hammering of waves on land, and deposition of the sediment they carry results in cliffs, bays and coves.
The Caribbean Sea even whistles! Known as the “Rossby Whistle”, it is so loud it can even be heard from space. A Rossby wave is a large wave, and when it interacts with the seafloor it creates an A-flat whistle sound! Not only can the sea whistle, but it can also sparkle. In certain areas, the sea can sparkle with neon blue, green and sometimes red colours. Many marine organisms such as algae, squid and some fish are bioluminescent. This means they can produce and emit their own light. The ability to do this can be useful for them, for example to attract prey or mates, or to confuse predators. If there is a lot of bioluminescence in the sea at a particular place, and it is disturbed by a wave, the sea will glow.
GCSE scientists – you need to be able to investigate waves It is one of the Required Practicals for Paper 2 (AQA).
For help with this try our new guides “How to work with Required Practicals: Part 8 and Part 9”. Part 8 focuses on the Physics practicals needed for Combined Science in Physics Paper 2 (AQA). Included in Part 9 are all the additional practicals needed on both papers for AQA Physics.
Part 8 includes:
Force and Extension, Acceleration, Generating and Observing Waves, Radiation and Absorption
Part 9 includes:
Thermal Insulation, Light
You will find a brief description of what you need to know about each practical, and key questions you may be asked. As always there are questions to try, and answers to check your understanding.
Click below to see the guides.
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