Wave Properties
Powerpoint/Guided Notes
Wave
Wave = a rhythmic disturbance that carries energy
through matter or space.
-Water waves
-Waves on a rope
-Waves on a slinky
-Seismic (Earthquake) waves
-Sound
-Light
Demos
Toss Ball: Matter is sent across a distance.
Snap Slinky: Energy is sent across a
distance
Vocabulary
• Wave Pulse: A single disturbance that travels
through a medium (usually)
• Medium: Substance the wave travels through:
-ocean wave:
-rope wave:
-sound:
-light:
Vocabulary
• Continuous Wave: Wave pulses are made
at a fixed tempo
Transverse Wave
• Disturbance of medium is perpendicular to
the direction of wave motion
Longitudinal Wave
• Disturbance of medium is parallel to direction of
wave motion
www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/waves/lw.cfm
Wave terminology
• Crest: top point of wave
• Trough: bottom point of wave
• Wavelength: length of a wave, from one crest to
the next
• Amplitude: “height” of a wave: distance from the
zero amplitude point (center of wave) to the
crest of wave, measures how much energy the
wave has. NOT the distance from the trough to
the crest of the wave.
Wave terminology picture
Period.
• Letter: T
• How many seconds it takes for a wave to
pass
• Unit:
Frequency
•
•
•
•
Letter: f
How many waves pass a point per second
Inverse of Period. f = 1/T
Unit:
Review Medium
• Definition:__________________________
__________________________________
• Speed of a wave in each medium is
different.
Speed of wave depends on the
medium, not the amplitude.
V=fλ
V: velocity (of the wave)
f: frequency (of the wave)
λ: “lambda”: wavelength (of the wave)
This equation shows that the velocity of a wave is a
constant speed in a constant medium, regardless of the
frequency, wavelength, or amplitude of a wave.
If the frequency changes, the wavelength changes.
HW:
• Do Lab p 330, answering questions 1-5.
(Be careful not to overstretch the slinkies,
as this is irreversible damage)
• Read p 328-335, read problems 1-7 p 335:
answers in the back of the book
• Do problems p 344 # 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 2427, 32, 33, 35, 36, 40
Today’s Classwork
• Brainpop viewing + quiz on back of guided
notes (keep; it will help in test prep)
• As partners, make a poster that teaches
all we have learned: wave, wave pulse,
medium, continuous wave, transverse
wave, longitudinal wave, speed of wave,
period, frequency, the 2 equations.
• Finish book homework (do on same page
as lab questions)
Rubric
Points for:
• 1) Include all terms (__/5)
• 2) Scientific accuracy (__/5)
• 3) More thorough than merely copying the
lecture notes (use the book, etc. to learn more)
(__/5)
• 4) Visual appeal & color (__/5)
• 5) Best in class (__/0) Extra Credit
• Will be graded and voted on by your peers