Objectives - Waves
The Minds On Physics program consists of 15 modules. Each module covers a different topic and consists of a varying number of assignments. Every assignment addresses one or two objectives. The objectives for the Waves module are listed below.
- Assignment 1:
- 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.
- Assignment 2:
- 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.
- Assignment 3:
- 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.
- Assignment 4:
- 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.
- Assignment 5:
- 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.
- Assignment 6:
- 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.
- Assignment 7:
- 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.
- Assignment 8:
- 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.