Lesson Plan

• Describe the meaning of displacement, amplitude, phase difference, period, frequency, wavelength and speed in a progressive wave.
• Derive and apply the relationships v = fλ and Δφ = kΔx − ωΔt.
• Calculate unknown wave quantities from given data using the appropriate equations.
• Interpret sinusoidal wave diagrams and identify each key parameter.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed worksheet with wave diagrams
• Scientific calculators
• Graphing software (e.g., Desmos) or simulation

Begin with a quick video of a stadium “wave” to illustrate how a disturbance travels through a medium. Ask students what quantities they think describe the motion and link this to prior work on simple harmonic motion. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to use seven specific wave terms accurately.

1. Do‑now (5 min): Short quiz on previous wave concepts; teacher checks responses.
2. Mini‑lecture (10 min): Define displacement, amplitude, phase difference, period, frequency, wavelength, speed; display labelled sinusoidal diagram.
3. Guided practice (15 min): Work through the example problem (f = 50 Hz, λ = 0.2 m) calculating speed; students solve in pairs.
4. Concept‑mapping activity (10 min): Students complete a checklist linking each term to its symbol and equation.
5. Whole‑class discussion (5 min): Clarify common misconceptions about phase difference and wave speed.
6. Exit ticket (5 min): Write one correct equation for each of the seven terms.

Summarise how the seven terms interrelate and why they are essential for describing progressive waves. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a worksheet with additional calculation problems for homework.