Subject: Physics
Grade Level: 11,12
Unit Title: Unit 7: Waves
New 2009 goals are in red / Timeframe Needed for Completion: 3 weeks
Grading Period:3rd 9wks
Big Idea/Theme: Wave Energy: Sound and Light
Understandings: Students will understand waves transport energy.
Students will understand basic wave properties.
Students will compare graphically & mathematically define characteristics of waves.
Students will understand longitudinal and transverse wave energy.
Students will understand sound energy and the Doppler Effect.
Students will understand light energy as an electromagnetic wave.
Students will understand Snell’s Law and refraction.
Students will understand the Laws of: reflection, refraction, and diffraction of light.
Essential Questions:
What are several types and characteristics of waves?
What is visible light?
How can light and sound both be produced by waves?
Can you explain differences between transmission, reflection, and refraction of waves. / Curriculum Goals/Objectives (to be assessed at the end of the unit/quarter)
2.2.1 Analyze how energy is transmitted through waves, using the fundamental characteristics of waves: wavelength, period, frequency,
amplitude, and wave velocity.
Analyze basic properties of waves in pendulums, mass-spring system, ropes, tuning forks, large coil (Slinky®) springs, and ripple tanks connecting prior knowledge of work-energy theorem and vibratory motion to the transfer of energy through a medium.
• Conceptually, graphically and mathematically define and organize the characteristics of wavelength, period, frequency, amplitude and wave speed to these varied situations to include
an inverse relationship between period and frequency
the relationship between wave speed, frequency and wavelength
that amplitude is related to wave energy,
that wave speed in a mechanical wave is determined by the medium (density and elasticity) and is independent of frequency or amplitude(energy).
• Analyze the change in frequency due to motion of a wave source or receiver – the Doppler effect; identify pitch as an interpretation of the frequency of sound and color as the perception of visible light frequency.
2.2.2 Analyze wave behaviors in terms of transmission, reflection, refraction and interference.
Analyze transmission, refraction, and reflection of waves to conclude the following:
Mechanical waves require a medium while electromagnetic waves can travel in a vacuum;
When waves encounter a new medium the energy may be absorbed by the molecules of the material, transmitted changing speed (refracted) or reflected from the surface.
Electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light, c, in air or a vacuum and slow down as they enter other transparent materials according to the mathematical relationships relating wave speed, v, index of refraction, n, and angle of light measured from the
normal: , , (Snell’s Law)
The angle that light strikes a boundary determines if it is transmitted into another transparent material or reflected;
The angle beyond which all light is reflected (total internal reflection) is called the critical angle and can be found from the relationship
Light waves are reflected from a smooth surface according to the law of reflection – the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
• Analyze interference and the principle of superposition in waves (mechanical and electromagnetic) to distinguish between constructive and destructive interference.
2.2.3 Compare mechanical and electromagnetic waves in terms of wave characteristics and behavior (specifically sound and light). (Clarifying objective for 2009)
• Compare mechanical and electromagnetic waves in terms of the following:
how they are produced,
wave speed,
type of material (medium) required,
motion of particles,
patterns for refraction related to medium,
reflection,
interference,
the Doppler effect.
• Compare characteristics of types of mechanical waves – longitudinal (compressional), transverse and surface waves – in terms of how they are produced and motion of particles.
• Identify sound as a compressional wave and visible light as an electromagnetic wave.
Essential Skills/Vocabulary:
  • Design and conduct investigations to measure the basicproperties of mechanical waves: amplitude, period, frequency, wavelength and wave speed.
  • Compare and contrast mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
  • Understand that waves transport energy, momentum, and information.
  • Draw and identify the basic characteristics of a transverse wave including: trough, crest, amplitude, frequency, wavelength, and period.
  • Draw and label the basic characteristics of a longitudinal (compressional) wave including: period, rarefaction, and compression.
Distinguish between mechanical and electromagnetic waves in terms of the medium through which they travel.
  • Understand that a wave’s energy is related to its amplitude.
  • Apply the inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength at a constant wave speed determined by the medium.
  • Solve problems relating period, frequency, wavelength and wave speed:
  • Determine the speed of a wave in a new medium using the equation: .
  • Analyze and apply the Law of Reflection: incidence=reflection, measured from normal line.
  • Analyze and apply Snell’s Law: , wherethe angles are measured from the normal
  • Design and conduct investigations measuring angle of reflection, angle of refraction, and critical angle.

Compare and contrast constructive interference and destructive interference
  • Describe the perceived frequency and wavelength change when a sound source is moving toward or away from an observer.
  • Transmission, reflection, refraction
  • Period, frequency, wavelength, amplitude, wave speed
  • Interference
  • Longitudinal, transverse
/ Assessment Tasks:
Major test, quizzes, homework
Lab on Light and Sound from computer Website
Lab on waves: Using slinkys
Lab on concave mirrors
Lab on Snell’s Law
Lab Table Rotation
(students rotate from table to table looking at light and sound phenomena)
( FOR SUPPLIES NEEDED TO ACCOMPANY THE BELOW “INQUIRY SUPPORT LABS”)
  • Inquiry Support Lab: Waves and Springs Activities
  • Inquiry Support Lab: Reflection and Refraction Activities
  • Inquiry Support Lab: Doppler Effect

Materials Suggestions:
( FOR SUPPLIES NEEDED TO ACCOMPANY THE ABOVE “INQUIRY SUPPORT LABS”)
slinkys
Video camera
Small plane mirrors
Sight tube
Protractor
Construction of sight tube
Index card
Straw or tube made from rolled up paper
Hole puncher
Semicircular plastic refraction dish (available in science supply catalogues)
21st Century Skills / Activity
Communication Skills
Conveying thought or opinions effectively /
  • Analysis questions in all labs

When presenting information, distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information /
  • Data collection in all Lab Activities

Explaining a concept to others /
  • Sign Off—Waves & Springs
  • Reflection & Refraction

Interviewing others or being interviewed /
  • Sign Off—Doppler Effect
  • Reflection & Refraction

Computer Knowledge
Using word-processing and database programs /
  • Making graphs in labs

Developing visual aides for presentations /
  • Waves & Springs
Activities
Using a computer for communication /
  • Waves & Springs Activities

Learning new software programs /
  • Waves Website

Employability Skills
Assuming responsibility for own learning /
  • Waves & Springs
Activities
  • Sign Off –Reflection & refraction

Persisting until job is completed
Working independently /
  • Waves & Springs

Developing career interest/goals
Responding to criticism or questions /
  • Sign Off –—Doppler Effect
  • Waves & Springs

Information-retrieval Skills
Searching for information via the computer /
  • Waves & Springs

Searching for print information /
  • Reflection & Refraction

Searching for information using community members /
  • Waves & Springs

Language Skills - Reading
Following written directions / Most of the activities can be presented as opportunities for students to follow written directions. The teacher will have to work with most students to develop this skill over time.
Identifying cause and effect relationships /
  • Waves & Springs
  • Reflection & Refraction

Summarizing main points after reading
Locating and choosing appropriate reference materials /
  • All lab activities

Reading for personal learning
Language Skill - Writing
Using language accurately
Organizing and relating ideas when writing /
  • “Explain” and “Evaluate” sections in all lab activities

Proofing and Editing
Synthesizing information from several sources /
  • Waves & Springs
  • Sign Off Activity

Documenting sources
Developing an outline
Writing to persuade or justify a position /
  • Sign Off Activity

Creating memos, letters, other forms of correspondence
Teamwork
Taking initiative /
  • All lab activities
  • Sign Off Activity

Working on a team /
  • All lab activities
  • Sign Off Activity

Thinking/Problem-Solving Skills
Identifying key problems or questions /
  • All lab activities
  • Sign Off Activity

Evaluating results /
  • All lab activities
  • Sign Off Activity

Developing strategies to address problems
Developing an action plan or timeline