Wave Properties & Types
Science · Waves, Light & Sound · conceptual
Describe waves in terms of amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and wave speed; distinguish transverse waves (oscillation perpendicular to direction of travel) from longitudinal waves (oscillation parallel); and use the wave equation v = fλ
What mastery looks like
- Labels a wave diagram with amplitude, wavelength, crest, and trough
- Distinguishes transverse and longitudinal waves and gives an example of each
- Uses v = fλ to calculate wave speed, frequency, or wavelength given the other two
- Explains what happens to wavelength if frequency increases while wave speed stays constant
Check your understanding
If Wave Properties & Types was asked to describe a wave and how fast it travels, could they sketch one, label the wavelength and amplitude, and use the wave equation to work out speed from the frequency and wavelength?
Prerequisites
Required first
Helpful