What this topic covers
Topic P4: Waves and radioactivity has 3 subtopics:
- P4.1 Wave behaviour
- P4.2 The electromagnetic spectrum
- P4.3 Radioactivity
GCSE OCR Foundation Combined Science Physics
Topic P4: Waves and radioactivity – GCSE OCR Foundation Combined Science Physics revision notes
Revise Topic P4: Waves and radioactivity for GCSE OCR Foundation Combined Science Physics, including P4.1 Wave behaviour. 26 lessons across 3 subtopics.
OCR Combined Science Physics waves and radioactivity content. 26 lessons in 3 subtopics.
26
Lessons
3
Subtopics
Topic P4: Waves and radioactivity lessons by subtopic
26 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
P4.1 Wave behaviour
- Transverse vs. Longitudinal Waves
- Waves Transfer Energy, Not Matter
- Wave Characteristics: Amplitude, Wavelength & Frequency
- Measuring Wave Speed: Sound and Water
- Wave Equation & Changing Mediums
P4.2 The electromagnetic spectrum
- Reflection, Absorption, and Transmission of Waves
- Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Hazards of UV, X-rays, and Gamma Rays
- Radio Waves, Microwaves and Infrared
- Visible Light, Ultraviolet, X-Rays, and Gamma Rays
- Infrared Radiation: Emission and Absorption
- Emission and Absorption
- Earth's Temperature and Radiation Balance
P4.3 Radioactivity
- The Structure of the Atom
- Electron Arrangement and Energy Levels
- Atomic Number, Mass Number, and Neutral Atoms
- Isotopes and Ion Formation
- Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Neutrons
- Radioactive Decay: Stability and Activity
- Applications and Choosing Radiation Sources
- Understanding Nuclear Equations
- Balancing Nuclear Equations
- Understanding Half-Life
- Radioactive Contamination and Irradiation
- Safety Precautions and Peer Review
More in this course
Go back to the full GCSE OCR Foundation Combined Science Physics topic list, or practise this topic with past-paper questions.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the right Topic P4: Waves and radioactivity page for my course?
These notes are for GCSE OCR Foundation Combined Science Physics. If you are on a different exam board or tier, choose your course from the Combined Science Physics page instead, because the content is not always the same.
What should I do after reading the lessons?
Test yourself without the notes open, then try past-paper questions on the same topic. The questions you get wrong tell you which lesson to go back to.