The examination of wave behaviour provides the basis upon which a wide variety of physical phenomena can be understood. Topics covered elsewhere in Physics 20, such as light, sound, and heat, can be better understood by having a good understanding of waves. Thus, an understanding of the general character- istics and behaviour of waves forms the overall conceptual foundation and unifying theme for the Physics 20 program.
Understanding wave behaviour offers important insights into some of the ways in which energy can be transferred. It also provides a means by which many important applications involving energy transfer can be better understood.
Debate exists as to whether wave theory should be covered before examining specific applications, or vice versa. Some teachers might prefer to examine wave behaviour first, to develop a conceptual model for understanding energy transfer. Others might prefer to examine the behaviour of physical phenomena first, using observations as the basis upon which to develop a model. Others might even prefer to begin with applications from within the students' own experiences, thus providing a motivational basis upon which further investigation is conducted. None of these methods is inherently superior. Teachers are encouraged to experiment with alternative approaches until one is found which works particularly well.
In this unit students will increase their abilities to:
Observe, describe, and record the characteristic properties of waves.
Transfer an understanding of properties of waves to practical examples and common experiences.
Predict the behaviour of waves in analogous situations to those which are investigated experimentally.
Suggest a variety of societal, technological and environmental applications in which an understanding of wave behaviour can be beneficial to humankind.
Extract meaning from models and multi-sensory media.
Critically assess the underlying motives that lead to change.
Recognize that political influence has an impact on how change occurs in science and technology.
Recognize that culture influences scientific inquiry.
Recognize biases and assumptions in scientific thinking.
Understand and use the vocabulary, structures and forms of expression which characterize physics. (COM)
Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of how to compute, measure, estimate and interpret mathematical data, when to apply these skills and techniques, and why these processes apply within the particular framework of physics. (NUM)
Promote both intuitive, imaginative thought and the ability to evaluate ideas, processes, experiences and objects in meaningful contexts. (CCT)