The Physics Classroom » Objectives » Wave Motion

Wave Motion Objectives

The Minds On Physics program consists of 15 topics. Each topic consists of a varying number of missions. Every mission addresses one to three objectives. The objectives for Wave Motion are listed below.
 
  • Mission WM1:
    • The student should be able to describe the nature of a wave and explain the distinction between wave motion and particle motion.
    • The student should be able to identify and distinguish between contrasting types of waves.
       
  • Mission WM2:
    • The student should be able to describe the basic characteristics of waves such as frequency, wavelength, amplitude, period, and speed.
    • The student should be able to utilize mathematical relationships related to wave characteristics.
       
  • Mission WM3:
    • The student should be able to define wave speed and identify the variables which effect wave speed.
    • The student should be able to utilize the definition of wave speed to solve simple computational problems involving speed, distance and time.
       
  • Mission WM4:
    • The student should be able to perform straight-forward calculations using the wave equation.
    • The student should be able to interpret textual information and diagrams in order to perform mathematical analyses using the wave equation.
       
  • Mission WM5:
    • The student should be able to predict how alterations in the medium through which a wave is traveling will effect the properties of that wave.
    • The student should be able to predict the orientation of the reflected pulse at the boundary between two media.
  • Mission WM6:
    • The student should be able to recognize the distinction between constructive and destructive interference.
    • The student should be able to utilize the principle of superposition to predict the shape and amplitude of a wave form resulting from the interference of two waves.
       
  • Mission WM7:
    • The student should be able to identify key concepts regarding the anatomy of a standing wave.
    • The student should be able to relate the length of a medium to the wavelength of a standing wave established in that medium.
       
  • Mission WM8:
    • The student should be able to mathematically analyze standing wave patterns.
    • The student should be able to utilize a combination of textual information and diagrams to mathematically analyze standing wave patterns.




       





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