1. Properties of Waves
Unit 12
Section 2

2. I. Amplitude
Amplitude is the distance that the particles of a wave’s medium vibrate from their resting position.
It is measured from the middle of the wave (resting position) to the crest or trough of the wave.
The larger the amplitude, the taller the wave will be which will cause more energy to be transferred.

4. Examples of Amplitude

5. II. Wavelength
a. The distance from any point on a wave to an identical point on the next wave is the wavelength.

6. This is How Amplitude and Wavelength Looks

7. III. Frequency
Frequency is the number of waves produced in a given amount of time.
Usually expressed in hertz or Hz.
For waves, one hertz equals one wave per second.
The higher the frequency, the more energy being transferred.
Quick Notes for d- frequency = energy transferred

8. This is How Different Frequencies Look
Which wave above carries the most energy? Why?

9. Which Kind of Wave Carries the Most Energy? The Least?

10. IV. Wave Speed The speed at which a wave travels is wave speed.
It can be calculated using wavelength and frequency.
Formula: v = λ x f
(wave speed = wavelength x frequency)

11. Wave Animations

12. What is the Wave Speed?
What is the wave speed of a wave that has a wave length of 5 m and a frequency of 4 Hz?
Remember: v = λ x f

13. Quickie Quiz Which of the following results in more energy in a wave?
A smaller wavelength
A lower frequency
A shallower amplitude
A lower speed

14. Quickie Quiz
What is the speed of a wave that has a wavelength of 2 m and a frequency of 6 Hz?
3 m
12 Hz
8 m/s
12 m/s

15. Quickie Quiz Amplitude is the measure of a wave’s
Distance between waves
Speed
Height
Vibrations

16. Quickie Quiz A higher frequency means A larger wavelength
A smaller wavelength
A higher wave
A lower wave

17. Quickie Quiz Frequency means How many waves pass a given point.
How high the waves are.
How fast the waves are moving.
If the waves need a medium or not.

18. Quickie Quiz
What do the numbers above mean?