Waves

• Make waves with water, sound, and light and see how they are related.
• Discuss wave properties using common vocabulary.
• Explain how changing the frequency and amplitude affects the characteristics of the wave.
• Design an experiment to measure the speed of the wave.

When electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by a material the energy it carries has to go somewhere. When lower energy waves, like radio and infrared waves, are absorbed there can be an increase in temperature of the absorbing material. Higher energy waves, like x-ray and gamma waves, can actually permanently damage or change materials. Learn about the different types of electromagnetic waves and how their energies can influence their effects on objects.

An explanation of wave interference and solution of a few examples to find the value of the total wave when two wave pulses overlap

The wavelength and frequency of a wave are related to one another by the speed of travel of the wave, which depends on the type of wave and the medium through which it is passing.