Blue Ridge Middle School
Wave Properties
Mr. Butler
Wave Properties
Blue Ridge Middle School
8th Earth Science
Mrs.Bright
Waves
1. A wave is a disturbance
that moves through
matter or space.
 2. Waves carry ENERGY
NOT Matter.

Wave Diagram

http://id.mind.net/~zona/mstm/physics/waves/partsOfAWave/waveParts.htm#pictureOfAWave
Frequency


1. Frequency is the measure of
how many waves pass a point in a
certain amount of time. (waves per
second)
2. The higher the frequency, the
closer the waves are together AND
the greater the energy carried by
the waves.
Amplitude 1

1. Amplitude is a measure of
the distance between a line
through the middle of a wave
and a crest or trough.
2. The greater force = the
greater amplitude = the greater
energy carried by the wave.
 3. In a transverse wave the
higher the wave the higher the
amplitude.

Amplitude 2
4. Sounds with greater
amplitude are loud.
 5. Light with greater
amplitude is bright.

Wavelength

1. Wavelength is a
measure of the distance
from crest to crest or
trough to trough.
Speed
1. Speed is a measure of the
distance a wave travels in an
amount of time.
 2. Speed = wavelength X
frequency

Speed
3. When a wave enters a
different medium its speed
changes.
 4. All EM waves travel at the
SAME speed in space.

Reflection

1. The angle
of the
incoming
wave = the
angle of the
outgoing
wave.
Refraction

1. A change
in the wave’s
direction
caused by a
change in the
wave’s
speed.
Refraction & Rainbows
Diffraction

1. Diffraction
is the
bending of
waves
around an
object.
FOLDABLE: Transverse Wave



1.Causes particles to move back and
forth at right angles to the direction the
wave travels.
2. High points in the waves are called
crests.
3. Low points in the waves are called
troughs.
FOLDABLE: Both



1. Both are mechanical waves.
2. Both carry energy from one place to
another.
3. Both have the properties of
wavelength, frequency, and amplitude.
FOLDABLE:
Compression Wave



1. Cause particles in matter to move
back and forth along the same direction
in which the wave travels.
2. Places where the coils are squeezed
together are called compressions.
3. Places where the coils are spread
apart are called rarefactions.