4 - PS4.A (B) - Wavelength and Amplitude - FINAL (WND 1/14/2014)

Module: Wavelength and Amplitude

DCI: PS4.A (B) Wave Properties – Waves of the same type can differ in amplitude (height of the wave) and wavelength (spacing between the wave peaks).

PE: 4-PS4-1 Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength and that waves can cause objects to move.

Clarification Statement: Examples of models could include diagrams, analogies, and physical models using wire to illustrate wavelength and amplitude of waves.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include interference effects, electromagnetic waves, non-periodic waves, or quantitative models of amplitude and wavelength.]

The ideas in this standard are: 

- amplitude is the height of a wave

- wavelength is the spacing between the waves

- waves of the same type can differ in these two characteristics

This one is fairly straightforward.  We can ask general questions about the properties of waves (limited to wavelength and amplitude).  We can also provide diagrams and ask how one of these properties could be changed.  

Possible Question Starters: 

- "A student uses a rope to make a model of wave. 

The student can change increase the wavelength of the waves in this model by" - 

correct answer - shaking the rope more slowly

incorrect answer - using a larger rope 

-"Which of the following waves has the greatest amplitude?"

-we will need four diagrams