From the Institute of Physics, this learning episode extends the idea of conservation of momentum into elastic collisions, in which, because kinetic energy (KE) is conserved. Useful information can also be found by calculating the changes in KE of the colliding objects. The activities include: • introducing elastic...

In this learning episode from the Institute of Physics, students use Hooke's law to demonstrate the strength and stiffness of materials when subject to linear tensile or compressive forces. The activities include: • recap of Hooke's law • explaining tension and extension in a variety of materials • explaining...

Produced by the Institute of Physics, in this learning episode students measure the Young modulus. Through a range of discussions, questions and student investigations, activities look at: • defining the Young modulus • measuring the Young modulus of a material • measuring the stiffness of a material • stress-...

Through demonstrations and discussions, this learning episode from the Institute of Physics helps students to understand the main features of simple harmonic motion. This is in preparation to moving to a more mathematical description. Activities include: * observing simple harmonic motion (SHM) * discussing the...

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students use experimental techniques and modelling to investigate simple harmonic motion (SHM). The activities include discussions, practical investigations and worked examples, including: • linking Hooke's law and SHM • investigating a loaded spring...

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students investigate the simple harmonic motion of a pendulum. This involves discussion and student investigations. The activities include: • measuring the restoring force • investigating the time period of a pendulum • using a computer model of a pendulum •...

From the Institute of Physics, this learning episode will help students to see how energy moves from an oscillating system and how this results in a decrease in amplitude that follows an exponential decay pattern.

The activities include:
• observing water oscillating in a u-tube
• the motion of...

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students see demonstrations and perform practical work to understand how simple harmonic oscillators show resonance when forced to vibrate at their natural frequency.

The activities include:
• discussing resonance
• demonstrating Barton's...

From the Institute of Physics, this learning episode introduces the idea that vibrations can give rise to disturbances travelling outwards, i.e. to progressive waves. This illustrates some of the basic properties of waves. The activities include: • investigating transverse and longitudinal waves in a spring •...

These activities, from the Institute of Physics, consider how speed, frequency and wavelength are linked by the wave equation v = fλ . This is achieved by measuring frequency using an oscilloscope and measuring the velocity of sound in free air.

The activities include:
* worked example to deduce and...

This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, help students to develop their idea of electromagnetic radiation and polarisation. The basic ideas are developed through demonstrations and experiments. The approach is non-mathematical. The activities include: * using polarising filters to observe polarisation...

In this learning episode from the Institute of Physics, through a demonstration and the production of a presentation, students extend their understanding of the nature of different types of electromagnetic radiation, and considers their shared nature.

The activities look at:
• using heat detector and...

In this learning episode, produced by the Institute of Physics, students investigate how the intensity of radiation decreases with distance from the source.

The activities include:
* demonstration and discussion on how radiation spreads
* worked example to illustrate thinking in proportions...

This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, contains activities in which students look at reflection, refraction and Snell's law.

Through discussion, demonstration and practical experiments, students look at:
* reflection and refraction with a ripple tank
* the 'marching soldiers'...

Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode helps students to observe total internal reflection (TIR) as a consequence of refraction. Students use a semi-circular block to observe TIR and see how a fibre optic can be used to transmit information.

The activities include:
* ray tracing...