Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 1PH0 · Version from Sept 2016
Recall that waves transfer energy and information without transferring…
Full specification wording
Topic 4 – Waves: 4.1 Recall that waves transfer energy and information without transferring matter
This criterion is a recall statement: you must remember that a wave carries energy and information from one place to another while the medium itself does not travel with the wave.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1PH0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 15
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This criterion is a recall statement: you must remember that a wave carries energy and information from one place to another while the medium itself does not travel with the wave. In a transverse wave the particles oscillate about a fixed position, perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, and in a longitudinal wave they oscillate parallel to it; in both cases the particles return to their starting points. A useful example is a sound wave: it carries energy and information (the sound) through air, but the air molecules vibrate rather than move along with the sound. Similarly a water wave carries energy across the surface while the water stays in place. In a multiple-choice question, select the option that states energy and information are transferred without net transfer of matter.
What earns the marks
- States that waves transfer energy from one place to another.
- States that waves transfer information as well as energy.
- States that waves do not transfer matter, because particles oscillate about fixed positions.
- Distinguishes oscillation of particles from bulk movement of the medium.
- Applies the idea to an example, such as sound carrying energy through air while air molecules vibrate in place.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claims a wave carries matter along with it.
Put it right: State that particles oscillate about fixed positions and do not travel with the wave.
Says waves transfer only energy.
Put it right: Include that they also transfer information.
Confuses the direction of particle oscillation with the direction of energy transfer.
Put it right: Keep the two directions distinct.
Assumes the medium moves from source to receiver.
Put it right: Describe the medium as vibrating in place.
Exam tips
- Look for the option that mentions both energy and information and excludes transfer of matter.
- Reject any option implying particles travel from source to receiver.
- Recall the key phrase: energy and information transferred, matter not transferred.
Try the lesson
The start of the Topic 4 – Waves: 4.1 Recall that waves transfer energy and information without transferring matter lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A loudspeaker sends sound across a room to a listener. Which quantity is transferred from the loudspeaker to the listener by the sound wave?
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