BTEC Applied Science Unit 1 Physics: Wave graphs (C02) - worksheet + answers

A complete, ready-to-teach lesson for Unit 1 (Principles and Applications of Science I), physics section: displacement-distance and displacement-time graphs of waves.

Learning objectives:

• Distinguish between displacement-distance and displacement-time graphs.
• Read amplitude and wavelength from a displacement-distance graph.
• Read amplitude, period and frequency from a displacement-time graph.
• Combine both graphs to calculate wave speed.

What’s included:

• Student worksheet (PDF and editable Word)
• Teacher version with model answers and mark schemes (PDF and editable Word)
• Teacher notes: lesson flow, common misconceptions and practical/safety notes
• Retrieval starter (5 marks)
• Structured tasks with key-idea boxes and clear diagrams
• Check for Understanding quiz (10 marks) with a confidence self-assessment
• Exam-style practice (15 marks), ending with a levels-marked 6-mark question with indicative content

Specification coverage:

• C1 - Features of waves: graphical representations of waves: displacement against distance and displacement against time.

About 60 minutes of teaching; the exam-style section works in class or as homework. All questions are original.

Written for the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Applied Science. Not endorsed by Pearson. Single-school licence.