This activity focuses on amplitude and wavelength and shows how each are measured in both types of waves. Use a rope and a spring to show the difference between a wave with a low amplitude and a wave with high amplitude. Understand that amplitude is independent of other wave traits.
 
Questions Answered:
How is amplitude measured in transverse waves?
How is wavelength measured in transverse and compression waves?
Are amplitude and wavelength connected or independent of each other?
 
 
Topics & Concepts Addressed:
Compression waves show amplitude by the density of the medium (at the crest of the wave).
Transverse waves show amplitude by how tall the waves are.
Wavelength is measured from the point of one wave to the exact same point of the next wave.
In transverse waves, amplitude is measured from the midline to the crest or trough of a wave.
 
Materials Needed
Toy spring, 2 ropes, metric tape measure or meter stick
 
Preparation Time
collect materials