Wave Properties & Types
CONCEPTUALDescribe waves in terms of amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and wave speed; distinguish transverse waves (oscillation perpendicular to direction of travel) from longitudinal waves (oscillation parallel); and use the wave equation v = fλ
Mastery Evidence
- Labels a wave diagram with amplitude, wavelength, crest, and trough
- Distinguishes transverse and longitudinal waves and gives an example of each
- Uses v = fλ to calculate wave speed, frequency, or wavelength given the other two
- Explains what happens to wavelength if frequency increases while wave speed stays constant
Assessment Prompt
“If [child] was asked to describe a wave and how fast it travels, could they sketch one, label the wavelength and amplitude, and use the wave equation to work out speed from the frequency and wavelength?”
Curriculum Standards3 alignments
MS-PS4-1Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle Schoolcodes onlyKS3.Sci.Phys.Waves.1The national curriculum in Englandthe properties of waves, including how the speed of sound and light differ; reflection; refraction; the distinction between transverse and longitudinal waves; the electromagnetic spectrum and its uses
KS3.Sci.Phys.Waves.2The national curriculum in Englandthe dependence of wave speed on the medium; relationship between wave speed, frequency and wavelength (wave speed = frequency × wavelength)
Prerequisites3
- Waves & How They MovehardAges 9—10
- Wave Behaviour VocabularyhardAges 9—11
- Vibrations & SoundsoftAges 6—9
Show full prerequisite tree
- Waves & How They Move hard
Wave properties and the wave equation build directly on the wave model (amplitude, wavelength, frequency) introduced in upper KS2/early secondary
- Light & Sound Vocabulary hard
Understanding vibrating materials and sound requires 'vibration' vocabulary
- Communication with Light & Sound hard
Must understand how sound works before designing a communication device using it
- Light & Seeing in the Dark hard
Must understand how light works before designing a communication device using it
- Light & Sound Vocabulary hard
Observing that objects need illumination to be seen requires the 'light source' vocabulary
- Light & Sound Vocabulary hard
Finding patterns in volume requires 'volume' and 'vibration' vocabulary
- Wave Behaviour Vocabulary hard
Developing a wave model using amplitude and wavelength requires this technical vocabulary
- Sound Travels Through Materials hard
Must understand sound travels through media before modelling wave properties
- Vibrations & Sound hard
Must know sound comes from vibrations before learning vibrations travel through media
- Light & Sound Vocabulary hard
Understanding vibrating materials and sound requires 'vibration' vocabulary
- Communication with Light & Sound hard
Must understand how sound works before designing a communication device using it
- Light & Seeing in the Dark hard
Must understand how light works before designing a communication device using it
- Light & Sound Vocabulary hard
Observing that objects need illumination to be seen requires the 'light source' vocabulary
- Light & Sound Vocabulary hard
Describing vibrations travelling through a medium requires vibration vocabulary
- Wave Behaviour Vocabulary hard
Describing waves in terms of amplitude, wavelength, and frequency requires these exact terms
- Vibrations & Sound soft
Vibrating materials producing sound is a concrete anchor for understanding wave motion
- Light & Sound Vocabulary hard
Understanding vibrating materials and sound requires 'vibration' vocabulary
- Communication with Light & Sound hard
Must understand how sound works before designing a communication device using it
- Light & Seeing in the Dark hard
Must understand how light works before designing a communication device using it
- Light & Sound Vocabulary hard
Observing that objects need illumination to be seen requires the 'light source' vocabulary
Unlocks3
- How Sound Waves TravelhardAges 11—12
- Waves & Different MaterialshardAges 12—13
- The Electromagnetic SpectrumhardAges 12—13