Name________________
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Date
Section
Waves Webquest
A. Go To: http://www.ducksters.com/science/physics/waves.php
1. Definition of a Wave - The definition of a wave can be found in the 2nd paragraph. Finish the
definition below.
In physics, a wave
2. Class Discussion – What is meant by “disturbance”?
3. Scroll down to Types of Waves. This section describes how scientists categorize waves
according to certain properties.
• One way that scientists categorize waves is based on whether they require matter
Categories of
waves based on
whether they
require matter to
travel through.
to travel through. List these two types on the correct lines below.
and
wave type that requires matter to travel through
wave type that DOES NOT requires matter to travel through
• Another way that scientists categorize waves is based on whether the direction the
Categories of
waves based on
whether they
travel in the
same direction as
the disturbance
wave travels in is the same or different than the direction of the disturbance. List
these two types on the correct lines below.
and
direction of travel is the same as the disturbance
direction of travel is the perpendicular to the disturbance
4. Go to:
http://www.absorblearning.com/physics/demo/units/DJFPh064.html#Thewavelengthofawave
Define wavelength –
Define crest –
Define trough –
Do the “select the sentence” activity. To check your answers click on the green ‘=’ sign.
What Greek letter is used to represent the wavelength of a wave?
Click on the arrow in the bottom-right of the page
Do the “select the sentence” activity. To check your answers click on the green ‘=’ sign.
Click on the arrow in the bottom-right of the page
Read the paragraph Wave period and frequency and do the Figure 4 (moving wave) activity (you
can expand it if you want). Try to answer the 3 questions that follow.
5. Go to:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/edexcel_pre_2011/waves/anintroductiontow
avesrev2.shtml
Hit PLAY for the Transverse and Longitudinal waves. When it stops try to identify wavelength.
Click on p. 3 at the bottom
On the grid below draw and Label a Transverse Wave. Label Amplitude, Wavelenth, Crest, Trough
Scroll down. You will see a window titled “Instructions”. Click Close.
Experiment with different settings for wavelength, amplitude and frequency.
6. Go to: http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/science/virtual_labs/E05/E05.html
Whataresomecharacteristicsofwaves?Readthecharacteristicsofwavesonthelefthandsideofthe
screen.ThencompletetheVirtualLabbychoosingdifferentplungerspeedsandsizes.
Plunger
Plunger
Amplitude
Wavelength
Frequency
Speed
Size
(cm)
(cm)
(wavespersec.)
Slow
Small
Slow
Large
SuperFast
Small
SuperFast
Large
Set the plunger speed and size, then start the plunger and observe the waves.
A) How does the size of the ball on the plunger affect the amplitude?
B) What affect, if any, does increasing the speed of the plunger have on frequency?
C) What affect, if any, does increasing the speed of the plunger have on wavelength?
D) What is the relationship between the frequency and the wavelength of a wave?
7. Brainpop.
Go To:
https://www.brainpop.com/science/energy/waves/
Go To: http://www.aplusphysics.com/courses/regents/waves/regents_wave_characteristics.html
Scroll down until you see the image of a dog:
On the right you will see an image of a Wav
On the grid below draw and Label a Transverse Wave. Label Amplitude, Wavelenth, Crest, Trough
Before you leave this page play the animations of the Pulse, Transverse, and Longitudinal waves.
Go To:
https://mass.pbslearningmedia.org/asset/lsps07_int_wavelength/
Read how wavelength is measured
Click NEXT
Drag the ruler to measure the wavelengths. Enter the numbers in the boxes.
Click Check Answers.
Click NEXT
You will see part of the spectrum of light. Drag the slider back and forth to see how the
wavelengths change.
Go To;
http://highered.mheducation.com/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.cgi?it=swf::800::600::/sites/dl/free/007
2482621/78778/Doppler_Nav.swf::Doppler%20Shift%20Interactive
Click on Introduction. Read the Intro.
Click on Interactive. Experiment.
Write down any questions do you have
Go To:
https://interactives.ck12.org/simulations/physics/doppler-ducks/app/index.html
Watch the animation. When it ends you will see an arrow on the right side of the page. Click it.
Experiment with different settings.
Write down any questions do you have