Wave Properties & Types
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
Teaching approaches
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1 approach
If your child 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?
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
Learning resources
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This concept
Check understanding
- 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
“If your child 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?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Waves, Light & Sound
- Age range
- Ages 11–12
Standards