Lesson: Calculating Wave Motion Physics • 9th Grade

In this lesson, we will learn how to use the wave speed formula, s = fλ, to calculate the movement of waves of different frequencies and wavelengths.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

Use the formula in all combinations,
determine wavelength, amplitude, period, and frequency from graphs of displacement against distance and against time.

Lesson Presentation

Lesson Video

Lesson Explainer

Sample Question Videos

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Lesson Worksheet

Q1:

Which of the following formulas correctly shows the relation between the frequency, the speed, and the wavelength of a wave?

Q2:

A pier stretches from the coastline out into the sea a distance of 180 m. Waves on the sea move past the pier as they head toward the shore. The distance between the crests of the waves is 15 m, and the wave crests travel from the end of the pier to the shore in 24 seconds. What is the frequency of the waves?

Q3:

A sound wave in a particular object propagates at 960 m/s and has a frequency of 8,000 Hz. What is the wavelength of the sound wave in that object?