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Physics at the Beach
Review Section
All waves have similar properties. However, they can be classified by the media
through which they can travel and the movement by which they transfer energy.
Electromagnetic waves are waves that can travel through media made of matter or
through empty space. Mechanical waves are waves that can only travel through media
made of matter. Waves can be further broken down into transverse and longitudinal
waves. All transverse waves have similar properties. They all transfer energy by media
movement perpendicular to the transfer of energy. Examples of this type of wave are
ocean waves and earthquake waves. The other type, longitudinal waves, also have
similar properties, but they transfer energy by media movement parallel to the transfer of
energy. An example of this type of wave is a sound wave. Whether a wave is
electromagnetic, mechanical, transverse, or longitudinal, they all have a crest (also
known as a peak), trough, amplitude, and wavelength that can be labeled as seen in the
transverse wave below:
Beach Lab-Answer questions with your best estimation.
1. Make general observations about the waves using scientific language.
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2. What is the amplitude of the average wave today?______________________________
3. What is the amplitude of the largest wave you saw?____________________________
4. What is the amplitude of the smallest wave you saw?___________________________
5. What is the wavelength of the average wave today?____________________________
6. Are ocean waves electromagnetic or mechanical?______________________________
How do you know?________________________________________________________
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7. Are ocean waves transverse or longitudinal?__________________________________
How do you know?(Hint-this could be a trick question)___________________________
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8. Scientists do not just sit back and watch. They experience the world. I suggest
wading, swimming, or body surfing. Get into the water, experience the waves, and
record some of your experiences.
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9. Make a scientific sketch of an ocean wave with labels: