PHYS- | WavesGizmo

Name: Date:



Student Exploration: Waves

Vocabulary: amplitude, compression, crest, frequency, longitudinal wave, medium,
period, power, rarefaction, transverse wave, trough, wave, wavelength, wave speed

Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.)

1. A buoy is anchored to the ocean floor. A large wave
approaches the buoy. How will the buoy move as the
wave goes by?




2. The two images show side views of ocean waves. How are the two sets of waves
different?




Gizmo Warm-up
Ocean swells are an example of waves. In the Waves
Gizmo™, you will observe wave motion on a model of a
spring. The hand can move the spring up and down or
back and forth.

To begin, check that the Type of wave is Transverse, Amplitude is 20.0 cm, Frequency
is
0.75 Hz, Tension is 3.0 N, and Density is 1.0 kg/m. Click Play ( ).

1. How would you describe the motion of a transverse wave?




Click Pause ( ). Notice the crests (high points) and troughs (low points) of the
wave.


2. Click Reset ( ). For the Type of wave, choose Longitudinal. Increase the Amplitude
to

, 20.0 cm, and click Play. How would you describe the motion of a longitudinal wave?