Unit: Waves and Sound I Can Statements
A. I. can describe how waves are created and move. Waves are created by vibrations. In a wave the energy moves forward and the particles of the medium move up and down (perpendicular) or back and forth (parallel).
A.2. I can define, diagram, and identify the parts of a transverse wave Crest – the top point of a wave. Trough – the bottom point of a wave. Resting position – the original position of the wave. Wavelength – the distance between any two identical points on a wave. Amplitude – how far the particles move from their resting position to the crest.
A.3. I can define, diagram and identify the parts of a longitudinal wave Compression – where the particles are closely packed together (also called the crest) Rarefaction – where the particles are spread out (also called the trough) Wavelength – the distance between two compressions or two rarefactions.
A.4. I can define and give examples of longitudinal and transverse waves. Longitudinal wave - the particles move back and forth, parallel to the direction of the energy movement. Examples – sound, p waves in earthquakes. Transverse wave – the particles move up and down, or perpendicular, to the direction of the energy movement. Examples – light waves, all radiation waves, s- waves in an earthquake.
A.5. I can explain how the medium affects the ability of a wave to travel The speed of a wave is affected by the density of the medium (stuff it’s going through). Most waves travel slowest through gases and fastest through solids. https://www.nde-ed.org/EducationResources/HighSchool/Sound/speedinmaterials.htm
A. 6. I can explain the relationship between frequency and pitch. Frequency measures the number of waves that pass a point in a second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). Pitch explains whether a sound is high or low. Direct relationship: the higher the frequency, the higher the pitch. A high pitch string will be short, thin, and tight. A low pitch string will be long, loose, and thick.
A.7. I can explain the relationship between amplitude and loudness. Amplitude is the distance a particle is moved from its resting position by a wave. Another direct relationship: As the amplitude increases, the loudness increases.