Characteristics of Waves

Open Ended

Why is it important to understand the characteristics of waves in our daily lives?

Open Ended

What is a wave?

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of a wave and what is a medium in the context of wave travel?

• A wave is a repeating disturbance that carries energy from one point to another; a medium is the substance a wave travels through.

• A wave is a stationary object in water; a medium is the air above it.

• A wave is a type of energy that does not require a medium; a medium is irrelevant.

• A wave is a sound produced by objects; a medium is only solid surfaces.

Open Ended

Through what medium are waves traveling in each of the following: the ocean surface, sound from a guitar, and sound from speakers?

Open Ended

Explain how the concept of medium applies to both water waves and sound waves, using the images.

Multiple Select

Select all statements that correctly describe the relationship between frequency and wavelength.

• Waves with low frequency have longer wavelengths.

• Waves with high frequency have shorter wavelengths.

• Frequency is the number of disturbances that pass a fixed point in a given amount of time.

• Wavelength is the distance from one crest to the next crest.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about frequency and wavelength is correct?

• An ocean wave with a lower frequency also has a shorter wavelength.

• A rope wave with a very long wavelength has a very high frequency.

• Both ocean waves and rope waves have wavelength proportional to frequency.

• When an ocean wave’s frequency increases, its wavelength gets shorter.

Open Ended

What is amplitude?

Multiple Choice

Which wave property is directly related to the amount of energy in a wave?

• Amplitude

• Wavelength

• Frequency

• Speed

Multiple Choice

Which wave shown has the largest amplitude?

• First wave

• Second wave

• Third wave

• Fourth wave

Open Ended

Explain the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves using the diagrams provided.

Open Ended

Explain the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves, using examples from the table shown.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following waves is a longitudinal wave?

• Ocean wave

• Sound wave

• Rope wave

• Electromagnetic wave

Multiple Choice

What kind of wave is pictured?

• Transverse
• Longitudinal
• surface
• none of the above

Multiple Choice

Which has the LONGEST wavelength and, therefore, the lowest frequency/energy

• Gamma Rays
• Radio Waves
• Visible Light
• Infrared rays

Multiple Choice

Which wave in the diagram has the greatest frequency?

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Multiple Choice

High frequency waves have _________ wavelengths.

• varying
• long
• the same
• short

Open Ended

What is one thing you learned today about the characteristics of waves that you found interesting or surprising?