Name__________________
Waves Virtual Lab
What is a Wave?
Go to the following web site:
http://gpb.pbslearningmedia.org/asset/lsps07_int_waves/?utm_source=teachersdomain_redi
rect/asset/lsps07_int_waves/utm_medium=teachersdomain/asset/lsps07_int_waves/utm_ca
mpaign=td_redirects
1. Describe the motion of the wave of the people and the string. What type of wave is being
demonstrated in these examples?
2. Under the “Demonstration” tab, experiment with different medium densities and wave
controls. Describe the changes you observe as you adjust the different variables.
3. Under the “Water Waves” tab, watch the water waves animation and then explain the
motion of a water wave
Go to the following web site:
http://zonalandeducation.com/mstm/physics/waves/partsOfAWave/waveParts.htm
4. Sketch a diagram of a transverse wave. Be sure to label the crest, trough, positive
amplitude, negative amplitude, and wavelength.
5. What does the straight line in a transverse wave represent?
6. What is frequency and what unit is it measured in?
7. On the website, try adjusting the frequency on the animation. Then explain how
frequency and wavelength are related.
Go to the following web site:
http://zonalandeducation.com/mstm/physics/waves/standingWaves/understandingSWDia1/
UnderstandingSWDia1.html
8. Change the diagram to the 5th Harmonic. Draw the diagram of the 5th Harmonic and label
the Nodes and Antinodes.
Go to the following web site:
http://www.classzone.com/books/ml_science_share/vis_sim/wslm05_pg18_graph/wslm05_p
g18_graph.html
9. Experiment with the wave’s frequency and amplitude. Observe what happens to the
wavelength with each change you make. Write 2-3 complete sentences about your observations.
“Waves: What are some characteristics of waves?
Complete the “Waves Virtual Lab” data table and questions below:
Go to the following web site:
http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/science/virtual_labs/E05/E05.html
Directions: Read the characteristics of waves on the left hand side of the screen.
Then complete the Virtual Lab by choosing different plunger speeds and sizes.
Plunger Speed
Plunger Size
Amplitude (cm)
Wavelength (cm)
Frequency (waves per sec.)
Virtual Lab Questions
1. How does the size of the ball on the plunger affect the amplitude of the waves?
2. What effect, if any, does increasing the speed of the plunger have on the frequency of the
waves?
3. What effect, if any, does increasing the speed of the plunger have on the wavelength of
the waves?
4. What is the relationship between the frequency and the wavelength of a wave?
5. What effect, if any, does frequency have on the amplitude of a wave?
6. What relationship exists between the amplitude of a wave and amount of disturbance in
the water?