1. Unit: Waves and Sound
I Can Statements

2. 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).

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.