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Wave Definition

A wave transfers energy without moving matter, in forms like sound and water waves. For example, sound waves move through air by particle vibration.

View Lesson on Wave Properties
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Wave Properties

LESSON MATERIALSmove

Fun Facts

  • Ocean waves move up and down, not towards you.
  • Sound waves make salt vibrate on speakers.
  • Dolphins use echolocation, sound waves underwater, for navigation.

Why Do We Need To Know About Wave

Learning about waves helps us understand nature and technology better. For example, knowing about waves helps predict earthquakes, which can save lives and homes. In the music world, understanding sound waves means we can make music louder and clearer at concerts.

Also, learning about waves is key in designing quieter rooms and in studying how animals like dolphins use sound to communicate, which is part of marine biology. These examples show how wave knowledge is used everywhere, making our lives better and helping us make new discoveries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do waves transfer matter?
Waves transfer energy, not matter.
When Zoe and Izzy demonstrated waves using the slinky, which type of wave did they observe?
Zoe and Izzy use the spring to demonstrate both transverse and longitudinal waves. Water waves are transverse waves and sound waves are longitudinal waves.
Why does the salt vibrate on the speaker when the music is turned on?
When the music is turned on sound waves cause the salt to vibrate just like sound waves cause air particles to vibrate.
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