Wave Properties 4-PS4-1

Grade 4 - NGSS - CA

The energy in a wave

Amplitude

The energy in a wave. Amplitude. Amplitude is like the height of a wave, showing how big or strong the wave is.

The number of cycles or vibrations per second, measured in hertz (Hz)

Frequency

The number of cycles or vibrations per second, measured in hertz Hz, is called frequency. Frequency is how often something happens, like how many times a swing goes back and forth in one second.

A wave whose particles vibrate parallel to the direction in which the wave travels

Longitudinal wave

A wave whose particles vibrate parallel to the direction in which the wave travels. Longitudinal wave. In simple terms, a longitudinal wave is like a slinky where the coils move back and forth in the same direction the wave travels.

The substance through which a wave can travel, like air, which carries sound waves

Medium

The substance through which a wave can travel, like air, which carries sound waves, is called a medium. A medium is what lets sounds and other waves move from one place to another.

A wave that moves particles of matter at right angles to its direction of travel

Transverse wave

A wave that moves particles of matter at right angles to its direction of travel. Transverse wave. A transverse wave is like a sideways shake where the movement goes up and down as the wave moves forward.

A repeating disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space

Wave

A repeating disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space. Wave. Waves are movements that carry energy from one place to another, like when you see ripples on water.

The highest point of a transverse wave

Wave crest

The highest point of a transverse wave is called the wave crest. In simple terms, the wave crest is the top or peak of a wave.

The distance between the crests of two adjacent waves

Wavelength

The distance between the crests of two adjacent waves. Wavelength. Wavelength is how far apart the highest points of a wave are from each other.