Exploring the Basic Properties of Waves

Waves are disturbances that transfer energy without moving material. They have a characteristic speed unaffected by size or shape. Amplitude measures how far a wave extends from equilibrium. Harmonic waves form repeating patterns, with frequency indicating cycles per second and wavelength showing the distance over which patterns repeat. Wave velocity links distance and time for cycles, with longer wavelengths having lower frequencies and shorter ones having higher frequencies.

What is a wave primarily responsible for carrying from one place to another?

• Energy

• Material

• Light

• Sound

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

NGSS.HS-PS4-5

Which of the following does not affect the speed of a wave?

• Size of the disturbance

• Shape of the disturbance

• Both size and shape of the disturbance

• Amplitude of the wave

What is the term used to describe how far a wave extends from its equilibrium?

• Wavelength

• Amplitude

• Velocity

• Frequency

How is the frequency of a harmonic wave defined?

• The number of times a spot goes through its cycle per second

• The distance over which the pattern repeats

• The height of the wave from equilibrium

• The speed at which the wave travels

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

What must be true for the product of wavelength and frequency in a harmonic wave?

• It must be equal to the wave's material

• It must be equal to the wave's velocity

• It must be equal to the wave's amplitude

• It must be equal to the wave's energy

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1