Waves: Introduction and Name
Types
Instructions: Read through the information below. Then complete the statements at
the bottom of the page using the BOLD words from the page.
A wave is a transfer of energy through a medium from one point to another. Some
examples of waves include; water waves, sound waves, and radio waves. Waves
come in two different forms; a Transverse Wave which moves the medium
perpendicular to the wave motion, and a Longitudinal Wave, which moves the
medium parallel to the wave motion.
Transverse Wave Longitudinal Wave
Examples of Transverse waves would be a vibrating guitar string or
electromagnetic waves, while an example of a Longitudinal wave would be a
“Slinky” wave that you push and pull.
Waves have several properties which are represented in the diagrams below. In a
Transverse wave the Crest and Troughs are the locations of maximum
displacement up or down. The Amplitude is the measurement of maximum
displacement. The Wavelength is the distance of one complete wave cycle. For
example; the distance from crest to crest or trough to trough would be 1
wavelength.
In a Longitudinal wave, areas of maximum displacement are known as
Compressions and Rarefactions. The stronger the wave, the more compressed
and spread out the wave medium becomes.
Transverse Wave
Longitudinal Wave Compressions
Rarefactions
Fill in the statements using the BOLD words from the above information.
1- Wave motion that is Parallel to wave direction describes a
wave. 2- A is
the maximum upwards displacement in a Transverse wave.
3- One complete wave cycle is referred to as a .
4- Wave motion that is Perpendicular to wave direction describes a
wave. 5- A or is the maximum displacement in a
Longitudinal wave. 6- An Ocean wave would be an example of a
wave.
7- The distance from one trough to another trough is called a
. 8-
The measurement of displacement is called a wave’s .
Waves: Velocity and Frequency
Name
Instructions: Read through the information below. Then complete the calculation
problems at the bottom of the page.
The velocity of a wave can be calculated if you have enough information. First you
need to know the Wavelength, or the length of one complete wave cycle. This could
be measured Crest to Crest, Trough to Trough, or any other complete cycle of a
wave. The second aspect you need is the wave Frequency, or the number of waves
or vibrations produced per second. The frequency is measured in Hertz and the
Wavelength is measured in meters.
Wavelength 1 meter Low Frequency
3 Hz
High Frequency
12 Hz
1 second of time
The equation for calculating the velocity of a wave
is:
Velocity = Wavelength x Frequency v=λ
x f
This equation works for any wave form, water, sound, or
radio waves.
EXAMPLE: A wave as a Wavelength of 5 meters and a
Frequency of 10 Hz.
What is its velocity?
V = 5 x 10 V= 50
meters per second
Solve using the wave velocity equation:
(Show your equation set up and math work) 1-
A wave has a Wavelength of 12 meters and a
Frequency of 10 Hz.
What is its velocity?
2-A wave has a Wavelength of 3 meters and a Frequency
of 15Hz.
What is its velocity?
3-A wave has a Wavelength of 18 meters and a
Frequency of .5 Hz.
What is its velocity?
4- A wave has a Wavelength of .5 meters and a
Frequency of 100 Hz.
What is its velocity?
