Week 6

Waves and Earthquakes

Again we see the relationship between energy and matter as kinetic energy is transferred through the material of the earth as earthquakes. We will look at much of the math needed to determine the frequency, speed, and other wave factors that contribute to their destructive force and understand that the math leads us to make predictions that lead to early warning or changes in construction methods that save lives and property.

Day 1

Day 2

  1. Energy travels in waves (tone generator).

  2. Anatomy of a wave.


  • Crest - The highest point on the wave.

  • Trough - The lowest point on the wave.

  • Wavelength or Cycle - The horizontal distance between successive crests or troughs. The distance from one point on the wave to that same point on the next wave.

  • Amplitude (A) - One-half the wave height measured from equilibrium line to crest or trough.

  • Period (T)- The time it takes to complete one cycle or for one complete wave to pass a particular point.

  • Frequency (f) - The number of waves that
    pass a particular point in a given time period. Units are Hz.

  • Speed (v) - frequency times wavelength.

  • Energy (E)- Expressed in Joules (J) The amount of energy transferred to an object when a force of one newton acts on that object in the direction of its motion through a distance of one meter

  • Direction of Propagation - the direction in which a wave is travelling

Day 3

Wave anatomy: calculating frequency and period.

Calculating Energy

  1. . Each wavelength has A2 energy in it. Multiply by the number of waves to find out how much energy is being transmitted. Energy calculation results will be in Joules (J).

  2. Wave Anatomy Practice


Day 4

  1. Complete the Wave Calculation Virtual Lab in Google Classroom.

  2. Study for the quiz on wave anatomy and calculating wave metrics. Use this video to review. Or this PhET simulation or this PhysicsClassroom simulation.


Study Guide Questions

    1. Know the parts of a wave such as crest, trough, amplitude, and wavelength and be able to measure them.

    2. Know the attributes of a wave such as wavelength, period, frequency, energy, and speed and be able to calculate them.

    3. Know how frequency and amplitude effect the energy that a wave carries.


Day 5

  1. Wave Calculation Virtual Lab due at the beginning of class.

  2. Review

  3. Quiz in Google Classroom