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Wavelength and Frequency Investigation

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Wavelength and Frequency Investigation

A science club is testing how the spacing of waves changes when the wave source vibrates faster. Use the results and wave descriptions on this sheet to investigate the relationship between frequency and wavelength. Frequency is the number of complete waves passing a point each second, measured in hertz (Hz). Wavelength is the distance between matching points on neighbouring waves, such as crest to crest.

Frequency (Hz)

Wavelength (m)

3.0

2.0

1.0

Read the waves

1.Match each wave term to its meaning: wavelength; frequency; crest; trough. Meanings: the lowest point of a wave; the number of complete waves passing a point each second; the distance between neighbouring crests; the highest point of a wave.

Wavelength
Frequency
Crest
Trough

Lowest point of a wave
Distance between neighbouring crests
Number of complete waves passing a point each second
Highest point of a wave

2.Wave A and wave B travel at the same speed. In the same length of string, wave A has 2 complete cycles and wave B has 4 complete cycles. Which statement best describes wave B compared with wave A?

Wave B has a higher frequency and a shorter wavelength.
Wave B has a higher frequency and a longer wavelength.
Wave B has a lower frequency and a shorter wavelength.

3.A sound becomes higher in pitch when its frequency increases. Which wave property has changed to cause the higher pitch?

Investigate the results

4.The wave source makes 18 complete waves in 3 seconds. Calculate its frequency using frequency = number of waves ÷ time. Include the unit.

5.Use the investigation results table. What wavelength was measured when the frequency was 3 Hz?

6.Describe the pattern in the table as frequency rises from 2 Hz to 6 Hz. What happens to wavelength?

7.The club says the waves travelled at a steady speed. Use the 2 Hz result to calculate the wave speed. Use wave speed = frequency × wavelength.

8.Use the 6 Hz result to calculate the wave speed. Does it support the claim that the speed stayed the same?

9.A class repeats the test but changes both the wave frequency and the tension in the string. Explain why this makes it difficult to decide what caused a change in wavelength.

10.True or false: if wave speed stays constant, doubling the frequency doubles the wavelength. Correct the statement if it is false.

TrueFalse