Properties of Waves – PhET “Wave on a String”

Link to the simulation: (I can not put the link, so just search PhET "Wave on a string"
(If the link does not work, go to Google, type in PhET Wave on a String and it will be the first result)
Click the play button on the simulation.
In the top left box, choose “Oscillate”.
In the top right box, choose “No End”.
In the box at the bottom change the Damping to “None”.
Slow motion might be helpful.

1. Is this a transverse or longitudinal wave?
Transverse Wave

a. How do you know?
I know because it moves at right angles to the direction of the wave, has crests and troughs

2. In which direction is the wave traveling compared to the disturbance: parallel or perpendicular?

3. Spend a few minutes exploring the amplitude of the wave by increasing and/or decreasing it. Describe amplitude in your own words:

4. Explore how amplitude affects wavelength. Use the following settings for frequency and amplitude to the numbers listed below. Let the wave run for a few seconds and then pause the wave and use a ruler to measure the wavelength. (Hint: if you do not have a ruler, the width of your pinkie finger is about 1 cm). Record a description in the table below.

Amplitude
Frequency
Wavelength (cm)
Description of wave
0.75 cm
1.50 Hz

1.25 cm
1.50 Hz

0.75 cm
1.00 Hz

1.25 cm
1.00 Hz

1.25 cm
3.00 Hz

0.50 cm
3.00 Hz

5. Use the measurements for each wave above and calculate the speed of each wave in the table below.
(Hint: speed = wavelength x frequency)
Amplitude
Frequency
Wavelength (cm)
Speed (cm/s)
0.75 cm
1.50 Hz

1.25 cm
1.50 Hz

0.75 cm
1.00 Hz

1.25 cm
1.00 Hz

0.50 cm
3.00 Hz

6. How does changing the frequency affect the wavelength?

7. How does changing the amplitude affect the wavelength?

8. How does changing the frequency affect the energy of the wave?

9. How does changing the amplitude affect the energy of the wave?

10. The amplitude of the wave is related to the energy of a wave. Did you see anything on the screen that made you think this or prove your point? How could you demonstrate this relationship?

11. Do waves transfer matter? Use evidence from the simulation to support your answer.