Sound Wave Properties

Wave Properties

Open Ended

What is the difference between transverse waves and longitudinal waves?

Multiple Choice

What kind of wave is a sound wave?

• transverse

• longitudinal

Multiple Choice

What kind of waves are electromagnetic waves (light waves, radio waves, microwaves, and x-rays)?

• transverse

• longitudinal

Multiple Select

What do the dots represent in a longitudinal wave?

• air particles

• water

Open Ended

Why is there no sound in outer space?

Crest & Trough

• The CREST (or PEAK) is the high point on a wave.

• The TROUGH is a low point on the wave.

Multiple Choice

Which letter represents the crest on this wave?

• A

• B

• D

• E

• F

Multiple Choice

Which letter represents the trough on this wave?

• A

• B

• C

• D

• F

Amplitude

• The amplitude measures the height of a wave.

• Amplitude can be measured from the midline to the crest OR the midline to the trough.

Amplitude & Sound

• Changing the AMPLITUDE would change the VOLUME in a SOUND WAVE.

• The HIGHER the AMPLITUDE, the HIGHER the VOLUME.

• The LOWER the AMPLITUDE, the LOWER the VOLUME.

• The loudness of a sound is measured in decibels (dB).​

Amplitude & Light

• Changing the AMPLITUDE would change the BRIGHTNESS in a LIGHT WAVE.

• The HIGHER the AMPLITUDE, the BRIGHTER the LIGHT.

• The LOWER the AMPLITUDE, the DIMMER the LIGHT.

Multiple Select

Where can the amplitude be measured on this wave?

• A

• C

• D

• E

• F

Wavelength & Frequency

• Wavelength is the measurement of the length of a wave. Measured from CREST to CREST or TROUGH to TROUGH.

• Frequency is the number of waves that pass a given point in a certain amount of time. It relates to the SPEED of a wave.

Wavelength & Sound Waves

• Changing the WAVELENGTH of a SOUND wave also changes the pitch & frequency.

• Waves with a SHORT wavelength have a HIGH pitch or HIGH frequency (they move quickly.)

• Waves with a LONG wavelength have a LOW pitch or LOW frequency (they move slowly.)

Wavelength & Light Waves

• Changing the WAVELENGTH of a LIGHT wave also changes the COLOR.

• LIGHT waves with the SHORTEST wavelength appear as a VIOLET color.

• LIGHT waves with the LONGEST wavelength appear as as RED color.

Multiple Select

Where is the wavelength being measured on this wave?

• A

• B

• D

• E

• F