Energy Transfer: Waves, Sound and Light

Kit No. 211

SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES

• Many types of energy, such as sound and light, travel in the form of a wave
• All waves have certain characteristics such as wavelength, frequency and amplitude
• The different sounds that we perceive are related to the wavelength, frequency, and amplitude of the sound waves that reach our ears
• The different colors that we perceive are related to the wavelength, frequency, and amplitude of the light waves that reach our eyes

In this series of activities students produce both longitudinal and transverse mechanical waves and compare their similarities and differences. As an introduction, students use water and springs to observe wavelength and frequency and discover the relationship between them. Their exploration of waves continues through investigating vibrations and the production of sound waves. Using an elasticized string allows students to create and observe different pitch notes and relate the sounds produced to the frequency of the vibrations. They then read about the wave nature of different energy forms, including light and sound, and are introduced to the fundamental features common to all waves. The reading compares and contrasts the similarities and differences among different energy waves and explains how our eyes and ears interpret various wave forms.