Introduction to Waves

WAVES

Turn to Page 110 in your science notebook

1. What is a wave?

a. Waves are a back-and-forth pattern of motion that

transfers energy through matter or space

2. The up and down motion is a repeating pattern called

oscillation

2. Energy transfer on the shore

a.

As an ocean wave approaches the shore, the seafloor acts like a speed
bump

b.

The wavelength (λ) and wave speed decrease when the water becomes
shallow.

c.

The wave energy is maintained, so the amplitude (height) of the wave
increases.

These waves
are driven by
energy from
the wind.

3. Tsunamis

a.

Get their energy from the movement of the Earth’s crust

b.

Energy moves through the ocean’s depth instead of the top layer of water

c.

Moves fast and has a long wavelength

d.

Water pulls away from the shore, then when the wave approaches shore, its
amplitude drastically increases.

Tsunami
waves are
caused by an
underwater
earthquake

4. Two Categories of Waves: Mechanical and Electromagnetic

a.

Mechanical Waves

i. Transfer energy by the vibration of particles in a medium

ii.

Examples: sound waves, ocean, and seismic waves.

b.

Electromagnetic Waves

i. Transfer energy without traveling through a medium (can travel
through the vacuum of space)

ii.

Examples: Microwaves, TV and radio waves, visible light, x-rays

MECHANICAL WAVES vs. ELECTROMAGNETIC

direction

crest

trough

amplitude

Wavelength (λ)

node

5

Labelling

Label all the parts of a transverse wave!

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

amplitude

node

crest

trough

wavelength

pulses

Labelling

Drag the letter that matches with the correct wave description

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

B

A

combination

1

2

3

​

​B

​A

​*Page 111

7. All waves have certain properties

no

7. All waves have certain properties

maximum

tall

energy

7. All waves have certain properties

crests

shorter

Labelling

Label the wave with the longest wavelength and shortest wavelength.

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

shortest wavelength

longest wavelength

​To calculate the frequency of a wave

1. Count the number of crests within the time frame (between the lines)

2. Take the # Crests / Time

Page 110:​

Double check your notes to make sure all the blanks are filled out

​Page 111:

Double check your notes to make sure all the blanks are filled out

Labelling

Match the units!

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

m/s

Hertz (Hz)

meter (m)