GizmosAnswerKey
Physical ScienceGrade 7-9

Wave Properties Answer Key

Explore the properties of waves including amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and wave speed.

Prior Knowledge Questions

Q1.What is a wave?

Answer

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Q2.What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Answer

In transverse waves, particles move perpendicular to wave direction; in longitudinal waves, particles move parallel to wave direction.

Q3.What is wavelength?

Answer

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests (or troughs) of a wave, measured in meters.

Activity A – Wave Measurements

Q1.What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Answer

Frequency and wavelength are inversely related: as frequency increases, wavelength decreases (wave speed = frequency × wavelength).

Q2.What is amplitude and what does it represent?

Answer

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a wave from its rest position; it represents the energy of the wave.

Related Gizmos

More Physical Science gizmos coming soon.