Waves

This unit bundles student expectations relating to classical wave properties. Students investigate waves as “energy transmitters” and explore how the characteristics and behaviors of waves can be studied and utilized in medical and industrial applications. Concepts in this unit include types of waves, wave propagation in various types of media, characteristics of waves (velocity, wavelength, frequency, amplitude, etc.), behavior of waves in various media (change in velocity, reflection, refraction, diffraction, resonance, Doppler effect, etc.), and wave interactions (interference).

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Take a paper and write "Mechanical Waves" at the top.

2. As you watch the video, create a double-bubble map comparing and contrasting Longitudinal and Transverse waves.

3. Include in your notes a labeled drawing of each wave type, including:

    • wavelength
    • amplitude
    • Crest
    • Trough
    • Period

3. Then, you may use a slinky to complete a slinky and waves lab.

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Use the link above for a virtual lab exploring sound waves.

2. Play around with the simulation and write 3-5 sentences summarizing your findings. You must include the terms:

  • Interference (describe the difference between constructive and destructive with a drawing)
  • Reflection (include a drawing)
  • Amplitude
  • Frequency

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Use the simulation above to determine the relationship between wavelength and frequency of a standing wave.

2.Give the wave on the simulation a high frequency. Draw the wave with a high frequency. Label nodes and antinodes. Use a complete sentence under the drawing to describe the velocity of the wave in terms of frequency.

3.Make the wave have the lowest frequency setting. Then, draw the wave with a low frequency, labeling nodes and antinodes. Use a complete sentence under the drawing to describe the velocity of the wave.

4. Write another sentence stating the effect changing amplitude had on the velocity of the wave.

5. Write another sentence describing the relationship between wavelength, frequency and velocity of a wave. Use the term "direct" or "inverse" when describing the relationships.


ASSIGNMENT:

1. Watch the video on how waves travel at different speeds depending on the medium.

2. Write 4-6 sentences summarizing what you've learned.

3. Be sure to include the differences between gases, liquids and solids as mediums for sound movement.

ASSIGNMENT:

1. See me for a copy of the tuning fork lab.

2. Complete the lab, using the directions included in the lab.

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Use the video above to complete wave calculations.

2. Get a copy of the wave calculations assignment from me. Show your work!

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Take a piece of paper and write "Simple Harmonic Motion" at the top.

2. Divide it in thirds and write "Oscillatory Motion", "Pendulum Motion" and "Spring Motion" at the top of each section.

3. Watch the videos above and take notes about simple harmonic motion. Be sure to include equations and what the variables in the equations represent.

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Get a copy of the pendulum lab from me.

2. Read through the instructions and write or discuss with me the purpose of the lab.

3. Then, complete the lab, collect data and write a 4-5 complete sentence summary of your findings.

ASSIGNMENT:

1. See me for a copy of the questions you should answer while watching the video from NASA- "A Tour of the Electromagnetic Spectrum".

2. Answer the questions as you watch the video.

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Open the virtual lab in the link above.

2. See me for a copy of the data table you will fill out at you complete the lab.

3. Use the instructions on the left hand side of the screen to complete the virtual lab and fill in your data table.

4. Then, open the journal icon and answer the journal questions on your own paper using complete sentences. Don't forget the wave formula we've already used, velocity of wave= frequency/wavelength!

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Watch the videos above on lenses.

2. Create a double-bubble map comparing and contrasting Diverging Lenses and Converging Lenses.

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Open the link above and play around with the simulations.

2. Make 4-6 complete sentence observations using the terms: (*note-page 610 in the textbook may be helpful!)

  • Convex lens
  • Convex mirror
  • Diverging Lens
  • Flat mirror
  • Virtual Image
  • Real Image
  • Focal Length
  • Object distance

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Open the virtual lab in the link above.

2. See me for a copy of the data table you will fill out as you complete the lab.

4. Use the instructions on the left hand side of the screen to complete the virtual lab and fill in your data table.

5. Then, open the journal icon and answer the journal questions on your own paper using complete sentences.

ASSIGNMENT:

1. See me for a copy of the mirror lab and complete the steps.

2. Then, write 3-5 complete sentences summarizing your observations.

Use the link above on the right to create a labeled drawing that demonstrates the focal point of a lens. Communicate, in writing, the effect of that focal point on distance to the image and magnification. Use the following tools to create the drawing.

Given an object’s distance, use the labeled drawing to predict the image location. Include the calculation and prediction in the discussion of image and magnification.

  • Converging lens
  • Laser pointer
  • Protractor

You are done with the unit! See me for more fun wave work.