MS - PS4.A (A) - Introduction to Properties of Waves - FINAL (WND 1/21/2014)

Module: Introduction to Properties of Waves

DCI: PS4.A (A) A simple wave has a repeating pattern with a specific wavelength, frequency, and amplitude.

PE: MS-PS4-1 Use mathematical representations to describe a simple model for waves that includes how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave.

[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on describing waves with both qualitative and quantitative thinking.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include electromagnetic waves and is limited to standard repeating waves.]

The ideas in this standard are: 

- a simple wave has a repeating pattern with a specific wavelength

- a simple wave has a repeating pattern with a specific frequency

- a simple wave has a repeating pattern with a specific amplitude

Higher amplitude waves carry more energy than lower amplitude waves.  

Possible Question Starters: 

"Students are modeling waves by shaking a rope back and forth. 

We know this is a wave because -"

correct answer - it has a repeating pattern with a specific wavelength, frequency and amplitude

incorrect answer - the rope is made of cotton strands braided together, the rope stops moving when the student stops shaking it

"Which of the following waves is carrying the greatest amount of energy?"

four diagrams with waves with differing amplitudes