Investigating waves and energy
In this investigation, students work with slinkies to explore longitudinal and transverse waves. They have the opportunity to establish the relationship between frequency and wavelength and understand how energy is related to the frequency and amplitude of a wave.
Demonstrating longitudinal and transverse waves
The video shows a hand making longitudinal and transverse waves on a slinky. The audio describes longitudinal and transverse wave characteristics.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
draw and label longitudinal and transverse waves
describe the relationship between frequency and wavelength in a wave
describe how energy relates to frequency and amplitude of a wave.
Download the Word file (see link below).
Related content
The articles Waves and energy – wave basics and Waves and energy – energy transfer provide useful information about transverse and longitudinal waves.
The article Waves as energy transfer provides more in-depth information for students working at higher curriculum levels.
The activity Making Mexican waves demonstrates wave energy and wave behaviours.
The activity Modelling waves with slinkies explores sound waves and vibrations.
