Identify wave features

Supplied materials

• All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
• Paper, drawing space or a browser document.
• Reference card A: highest point of the modeled wave. Reference card B: lowest point of the modeled wave.
• Assessment case 1: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Label highest wave point.
• Assessment case 2: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Label lowest wave point.
• Assessment case 3: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Measure rest line to crest.
• Assessment case 4: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Measure crest to next crest.
• Assessment case 5: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Label lowest repeated valley.
• Assessment case 6: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Measure trough to next trough.

Learn the idea

A wave carries a disturbance. Wavelength measures repeating spatial separation; amplitude measures displacement from rest. A wave model does not show matter traveling with the pattern over the whole route.

Crest means highest point of the modeled wave. Trough means lowest point of the modeled wave. Amplitude means maximum displacement from the rest position. Wavelength means distance between successive matching points.

For crest, look for the clue “highest point of the modeled wave.” For trough, look for “lowest point of the modeled wave.” More than one process can happen in a real situation. Answer about the one described in this question.

1. Read or listen to the four science words and what each means. Say how the first two differ.
2. Choose two of the short cases. Point to the clue that helps you choose a science word for each one. You may draw or say your answer.
3. Answer each practice question. Say which clue helped you, then check the explanation.
4. Use the extra task to make two examples that show different science words. Draw or say what makes each one fit.

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Take it further

Create one new case showing crest and one showing trough. Expected: the first explicitly shows “highest point of the modeled wave”; the second explicitly shows “lowest point of the modeled wave.” Explain the distinction by drawing, speaking or writing. A label without a matching feature is incomplete.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.