Waves
You need to be able to fully understand how all of the concepts below apply to waves and wave motion.
Important concepts, in no particular order...
 | What is a "wave"? |
| Oscillation |
| Vibration |
| Periodic Motion |
| "Medium" |
| Propagation |
| Disturbance |
| Displacement |
| Transverse v. Longitudinal waves |
| Nodes v. antinodes |
| Frequency (f) |
| Wavelength (λ) |
| Amplitude |
| Superimposition |
| Constructive Interference |
| Destructive Interference |
| In-Phase v. Out-of-Phase |
| Phase Shift |
| Reflection |
| Refraction |
| Diffraction |
| Crests |
| Troughs |
| Pulse |
| Wave Velocity |
| Standing Wave |
Waves Applets Great source of Java applets. Speakers helpful.
Must Do Applets from site above:
|
Ripple Tank 2-D |
|
2-D Waves |
|
Coupled Oscillations |
|
Loaded String |
|
Rectangular Membrane |
|
Circular Membrane |
Be sure to fully explore as many different scenarios as you can in the applets above. Turn off borders, multiple sources, different source frequencies, change phases, etc. Sun Microsystems Java is required, and is available for download HERE. You do not need to install Java on school computers.
Refraction of Light and Refraction Simulator Find the "Critical Angle"
Waves 1 Excellent source of information on waves, interference, harmonics, etc. Very thorough.
Waves 2 ANOTHER excellent sources of information about waves.
Vibrational Modes of a Baseball Bat
Wave Interference (Shockwave required)