Unit 5 - Sight and sound

Content

• Form and function of senses of sight and hearing.
• Waves as energy form and varieties of waves (sound as mechanical waves) and light (electromagnetic waves).
• The properties of waves, amplitude and frequency.
• The ranges of wavelengths/frequencies that are perceptible by humans and animals and safety limits.
• Impact of modern technology on issues of hearing and sight (cochlear implants for severe hearing problems).

Skills and understanding

• Use the term frequency correctly
• Use the term amplitude as the "size of the wave" measured from the undisturbed point.
• Describe the characteristics of waves that can be transmitted, absorbed or reflected by materials or when entering different mediums. They can also be refracted when being transmitted which means there path is changed.
• Describe the operating principles of the ear drum.
• Describe the operating principles of the eye
• Describe waves as caused by vibrations and transfer energy
• Describe the difference between longitudinal waves and transverse waves