Module L: Introduction to Waves

Module L: Waves and Their Applications

• This module studies waves and their applications.
• Unit 1 focuses on waves.

Day 1 - Lesson 1: Introduction to Waves

• Standards:
  • MS-PS4-1: Use mathematical representations to describe a simple model for waves, including how amplitude relates to energy.
  • MS-PS4-2: Develop a model to describe how waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through materials.
• Objectives:
  • Define wave.
  • Give examples of mediums.
  • Classify waves needing/not needing a medium.
  • Compare/contrast mechanical and electromagnetic waves.

Vocabulary

• Wave
• Medium
• Mechanical wave
• Electromagnetic wave

Starter (Engage)

• Students should study a picture of a wave in the ocean and answer related questions.

What are Waves?

• A wave is a repeating disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another.
• Examples include light waves, sound waves, and water waves.

Wave Transfer Energy

• Waves transfer energy in the direction they travel.
• In a visual example, energy is transferring to the right as the wave moves to the right.

Medium

• A medium is a material through which a wave travels (e.g., air, liquid, solid).
• Based on whether a wave requires a medium, waves are classified into two types:
  • Mechanical waves: Travel through a medium (e.g., sound).
  • Electromagnetic waves: Do not need a medium to travel (e.g., light).

Check Your Understanding

• Categorize waves (water, sound, light, spring/slinky) as mechanical or electromagnetic. Provide the reasoning behind your choices.

Extension - Check Your Understanding

• A link to an online resource (https://wordwall.net/resource/35563615) is provided for additional material.

Day 2 - Lesson 1 (Continued): Types of Waves

• Standards:
  • MS-PS4-1: Use mathematical representations to describe a simple model for waves, including how amplitude relates to energy.
  • MS-PS4-2: Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.
• Objectives:
  • List two types of waves.
  • Define longitudinal and transverse waves.
  • Label parts of longitudinal and transverse waves.
  • Describe how mechanical waves form.
  • Compare longitudinal and transverse waves.

Vocabulary

• Longitudinal wave
• Transverse wave
• Compression
• Rarefaction
• Crest
• Trough

Starter

• Students should draw a wave of any type they know.

Types of Mechanical Waves

• Transverse wave: Particles move perpendicular to the direction of the wave. (e.g., water waves, spring waves.)
• Longitudinal wave: Particles move parallel to the direction of the wave. (e.g., sound waves).

Checking Understanding

• Label diagrams of waves as either transverse or longitudinal.

2 Types of Mechanical Waves

• Transverse:
  • Similarities: Both types transfer energy in their direction of travel and require a medium.
  • Differences: Disturbances/vibrations move perpendicular to the wave's direction.
  • Example: Water wave
• Longitudinal:
  • Similarities: Both types transfer energy in their direction of travel and require a medium.
  • Differences: Disturbances/vibrations move parallel to the wave's direction.
  • Example: Sound wave

Parts of Transverse Waves

• Crest: Highest point of the wave.
• Trough: Lowest point of the wave.
• Amplitude: Distance from the rest position to the crest or trough.
• Wavelength: Distance from one crest to the next.

Parts of Longitudinal Waves

• Compression: Area where particles are close together.
• Rarefaction: Area where particles are spread apart.
• Amplitude: Maximum displacement from the rest position.
• Wavelength: Distance between two compressions or two rarefactions.

Think Pair Share - Check Your Understanding

• Draw parts of the two types of waves.
• Practice waves in ropes (link provided).

Independent Activity - Practice Labeling

• Label a diagram of waves using provided vocabulary.

Group Work (Explore) - Modeling Two Types of Waves

• Use a slinky to create different waves.
• Observe and record observations on how the slinky moves, the direction of movement, and the transfer of energy.

Check Your Understanding (Do This After the Activity)

• Compare and contrast longitudinal and transverse waves.
• Give an example for each type of wave.
• Identify the parts of longitudinal waves that correspond to crests and troughs of transverse waves.
• Draw diagrams of longitudinal and transverse waves.

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of waves and their applications as introduced in Module L. Participants will define waves, explore examples of mediums, and differentiate between mechanical and electromagnetic waves. The quiz aims to reinforce understanding of wave behavior and energy transfer.