Characteristic of Waves

Wave Characteristics

L.O. investigate and analyze characteristics of waves and the relationship between frequency, wavelength & energy.

Open Ended

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word wave? Type your response.

What is a wave?

a disturbance that transfers energy

How do waves affect me?

• Visible light allows us to see

• Microwaves and radio waves allow for long-range communication via mobile phones, television and radio

• X-rays are used in medical imaging

• Electromagnetic waves may have undesirable effects: gamma rays and x-rays can damage DNA and cause cancer after prolonged exposure

• UV light can cause sunburn and sometimes even skin cancer; and lasers can blind or burn if used incorrectly.

Wave Characteristics

• Amplitude (A)- the height of a wave; the amount of energy a wave has.

• Crest- highest part of the wave

• Trough- The lowest part of the wave

• Wavelength (λ)-The length of 1 complete cycle (1 crest + 1 trough)

• Frequency (f)- the number of cycles per second

Relationship between frequency, wavelength and energy?

• Shorter wavelengths and higher the frequency -> greater energy.

• Longer wavelengths and lower the frequency -> lower energy.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following letters depicts the amplitude?

• a

• b

• c

• d

Multiple Choice

Which of the following waves has GREATER energy?

• Wave a

• Wave b

• They both have the same amount of energy