Physics Unit 8

Big Idea:

Waves are repeating disturbances in space that transfer energy. They lie behind our senses of hearing and sight. The laws of thermodynamics determine how thermal energy transfer occurs, and dictates the outcome of the transfer.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

P.7(A) examine and describe oscillatory motion and wave propagation in various types of media;

P.7(B) investigate and analyze characteristics of waves, including velocity, frequency, amplitude, and wavelength, and calculate using the relationship between wavespeed, frequency, and wavelength;

Focus TEKS

P.7(C) compare characteristics and behaviors of transverse waves, including electromagnetic waves and the electromagnetic spectrum, and characteristics and behaviors of longitudinal waves, including sound waves;

P.7(D) investigate behaviors of waves, including reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, resonance, and the Doppler effect;

Ongoing TEKS

P.1(A) demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations; and

P.1(B) demonstrate an understanding of the use and conservation of resources and the proper disposal or recycling of materials.

P.2(A) know the definition of science and understand that it has limitations, as specified in subsection (b)(2) of this section;

P.2(B) know that scientific hypotheses are tentative and testable statements that must be capable of being supported or not supported by observational evidence.

P.2(C) know that scientific theories are based on natural and physical phenomena and are capable of being tested by multiple independent researchers. Unlike hypotheses, scientific theories are well established and highly reliable explanations, but may be subject to change;

P.2(D) design and implement investigative procedures, including making observations, asking well defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, identifying variables, selecting appropriate equipment and technology, evaluating numerical answers for reasonableness , and identifying causes and effects of uncertainties in measured data;

P.2(E) demonstrate the use of course apparatus, equipment, techniques, and procedures, including multimeters (current, voltage, resistance), balances, batteries, dynamics demonstration equipment, collision apparatus, lab masses, magnets, plane mirrors, convex lenses, stopwatches, trajectory apparatus, graph paper, magnetic compasses, protractors, metric rulers, spring scales, thermometers, slinky springs, and/or other equipment and materials that will produce the same results;

P.2(F) use a wide variety of additional course apparatus, equipment, techniques, materials, and procedures as appropriate such as ripple tank with wave generator, wave motion rope, tuning forks, hand-held visual spectroscopes, discharge tubes with power supply (H, He, Ne, Ar), electromagnetic spectrum charts, laser pointers, micrometer, caliper, computer, data acquisition probes, scientific calculators, graphing technology, electrostatic kits, electroscope, inclined plane, optics bench, optics kit, polarized film, prisms, pulley with table clamp, motion detectors, photogates, friction blocks, ballistic carts or equivalent, resonance tube, stroboscope, resistors, copper wire, switches, iron filings, and/or other equipment and materials that will produce the same results;

P.2(G) make measurements with accuracy and precision and record data using scientific notation and International System (SI) units;

P.2(H) organize, evaluate, and make inferences from data, including the use of tables, charts, and graphs

P.2(I) communicate valid conclusions supported by the data through various methods such as lab reports, labeled drawings, graphic organizers, journals, summaries, oral reports, and technology-based reports; and

P.2(J) express relationships among physical variables quantitatively, including the use of graphs, charts, and equations.

P.3(A) analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student;

P.3(B) communicate and apply scientific information extracted from various sources such as current events, news reports, published journal articles, and marketing materials;

P.3(E) express, manipulate, and interpret relationships symbolically in accordance with accepted theories to make predictions and solve problems mathematically;

Student Learning Targets:

• I will define the function of a wave.
• I will define and give examples of mechanical waves.
• I will describe the properties of transverse waves:
  • Identify how a transverse wave propagates.
  • Identify what factors affect the speed of a transverse wave.
  • Identify the parts of a transverse wave.
  • Give examples of a transverse wave.
• I will describe the properties of longitudinal waves:
  • Identify how a longitudinal wave propagates.
  • Identify what factors affect the speed of a longitudinal wave.
  • Identify the parts of a longitudinal wave.
  • Give examples of a longitudinal wave.
• I will describe the reflection of a pulse and/or wave from a:
  • Fixed end
  • Free end
• I will apply the Law of Superposition to:
  • Standing waves
  • Two waveforms propagating towards one another
• I will qualitatively and quantitatively analyze beats.
• I will qualitatively apply the Doppler Effect.
• I will define resonance and calculate the speed of sound in an air column.
• I will solve problems using the wave equation (v= λf) or the constant motion equation (v = d/t).
• I will identify examples of reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference for mechanical waves:
  • Analyze the wave speed for each of the above phenomena.
  • Analyze the frequency for each of the above phenomena.
  • Analyze the wavelength for each of above phenomena.
  • Analyze the direction of propagation for each of the above phenomena.
• I will conduct data collection, data analysis and inferences, and develop well-defined conclusions while demonstrating proper and safe use and care of scientific equipment.

Essential Questions:

• What is the function of a wave?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Conceptual Physics - Pearson, Prentice Hall

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