Waves
Student Objectives
1. Compare and contrast mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
The difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves is multiple
different things. For example mechanical waves must have a medium to
perpetuate through as electromagnetic waves do not have to perpetuate
through mediums. Also mechanical waves can have corresponding wave
length periods, but electromagnetic waves only travel the speed of light. The
similarities are that both waves transport energy.
2. Compare and contrast the two types of mechanical waves transverse and
longitudinal.
The difference between the two types of mechanical waves is that
transverse waves move in an up and down formation and longitudinal
waves move in a right to left formation. Most people think of transverse
waves and not longitudinal waves. Both waves carry energy and are in the
same wave group.
3. Describe amplitude, frequency, wavelength and speed of waves
The amplitude of waves is the compressed part of the wave. The frequency
of the wave is how often the wave occurs. Speed of the waves is how far a
wave goes in a period of time.
4. Describe the relationship between pitch and frequency in sound
The relationship between pitch and frequency of a wave is that they both
travel during a certain time period and have longitudinal wave lengths.
5. Develop and design a scientific investigation regarding absorption,
reflection and refraction of light.
A scientific investigation regarding absorption, reflection, and refraction of
light could be you could take a mirror, water, and a piece of wood and set
them out side on a very sunny day. In the mirror the light will show and
example of reflection, while the water will show an example of refraction.
The wood will absorb the sun helping shoe you three examples of these
concepts.
6. Define frequency, amplitude, compression, rarefaction and pitch
Frequency is how far a wave travels in a certain amount of time.
Compression is when the wave length becomes compressed, rarefaction is
an effect that occurs when light bends as it passes from one substance to
another. Pitch is the frequency of the waves.
7. Identify which types of waves can travel through a vacuum and which type
must travel through a medium.
Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum and mechanical waves
travel through a medium.
8. Describe the relationship between frequency and pitch.
The higher the frequency the higher the pitch and the harder it will be to
hear.
9. Draw and label the parts of transverse and longitudinal waves.
Compression
rarefication
10.Create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast transverse and
longitudinal waves.
Longitudinal Waves
Transverse Waves
-moves in up and down motion
-Most people think of these
waves
Carries
energy
Moves in an side to side movement
Most people do not think of these
waves
11.Compare the energy, wavelength and color of visible light
The darker the color the more energy the wavelength carries. The darker
the color the higher the frequency of the wave.
Example of Longitudianal waves: Sound waves
Example of Transverse wave: Color or light