- Task 1: Label the wave diagram.
- Peak: The highest point of the wave.
- Trough: The lowest point of the wave.
- Amplitude: The vertical distance from the rest position to a peak or trough.
- Wavelength: The horizontal distance between two consecutive peaks (or troughs).
- Frequency: Not directly labeled on the diagram; it refers to how many wavelengths pass a point per second.
- Task 2: Match the keyword to the correct description and units.
- Amplitude → C. The maximum distance between a particle’s resting position and a peak/trough. → meters
- Wavelength → B. The distance of one whole wave (between 2 peaks/troughs). → meters
- Frequency → A. The number of waves passing a point each second. → Hertz
- Complete these sentences using the key words.
- A sound wave is created when something vibrates.
- Sound waves travel as pressure waves in the air or other materials.
- Sound waves travel much slower than light waves.
- This is why lightning is seen before we hear thunder.
- When a wave hits a barrier it reflects and travels the other way.
- When a sound wave reflects off a surface, it creates an echo.
- Two waves in the same place add together. We say they superpose.
- Task 3:
1. A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction the wave travels. It consists of compressions (high-pressure regions) and rarefactions (low-pressure regions). Example: Sound waves traveling through air.
2. A transverse wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction the wave travels. It has peaks and troughs. Example: Waves on a string or electromagnetic waves like light.
- Task 4:
1. In a longitudinal wave, a compression is a region where particles are pushed close together (high density/pressure), while a rarefaction is a region where particles are spread apart (low density/pressure).
2. Superpose means that when two or more waves meet at the same point in space, their displacements add together algebraically to form a resultant wave. This can lead to constructive or destructive interference.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of waves sound and light worksheet.
