Wave Characteristics
Waves and Quantum Phenomena
Background: Understanding Waves
1.Draw three wave forms: one with a high frequency and low amplitude, one with a long wavelength
and high amplitude, and one with a low frequency and low amplitude. Label each and compare
their properties. For one of the waves, label crest and trough.
2.Write the wave equation and identify its variables.
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3.What is the relationship between a wave’s frequency and its wavelength?
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4.What is the relationship between amplitude and velocity? Explain.
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5.Define medium and vacuum.
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Wave Characteristics
Waves and Quantum Phenomena
Part I: Plan Your Investigation
1.
My Question of inquiry:
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2.
What do you need to do to answer this question?
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3.
What are the variables that you will observe?
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4.
What do you predict will occur?
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5.
What materials, equipment, and technology will you need for this investigation?
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6.
What safety precautions must be taken in this investigation?
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7.
Procedures:
Record your procedure on the back of this worksheet or in your lab journal, if needed.
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Wave Characteristics
Waves and Quantum Phenomena
Part II: Implement Your Investigation
Collect, Record, and Organize Data
For each wave, identify or calculate each variable in the wave equation based on your data.
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Wave Characteristics
Waves and Quantum Phenomena
Part II: Implement Your Investigation, continued
Analyze Data
1.Describe each of your waves using amplitude, wavelength, frequency, velocity, and period.
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2.Compare and contrast one of your waves with that of another group generated during the same
music. Explain any similarities or differences.
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3.What is the relationship between the oscillations of the marker and the amplitude of the wave you
recorded?
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Wave Characteristics
Waves and Quantum Phenomena
Reflections and Conclusions
1.
Was your prediction correct or incorrect? Explain.
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2.
Was there a relationship between the variables you observed?
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3.
List and briefly describe sources of error in this experiment.
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4.
What do you conclude about this investigation?
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5.
What would you do differently if you were to conduct this experiment again?
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6.
Using all of the following terms, develop a graphic organizer on a separate sheet of paper
based on what you have learned in this Explore.
Terms: Oscillation, velocity, wavelength, frequency, period, amplitude, crest, trough
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Wave Characteristics
Waves and Quantum Phenomena
Additional Practice
a.What is the velocity of a wave with a frequency of 1.8 Hz and a wavelength 3.6 m?
b.You are standing 80 m from the base of a canyon and you scream, “Echo!” If the sound travels at
343 m/s, when will you hear the echo?
c.A wave has a wavelength of 1.4 x 10-6 m and a frequency of 5.0 x 107 Hz. What is the velocity of
this wave?
d.What is the wavelength of a wave with a frequency of 4.5 x 107 Hz and a velocity of 55 m/s?
e.What is the frequency of a wave with a velocity of 48 m/s and a wavelength of 1.4 x 10 -7 m?
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