Waves D4: Wave speed

Focus Question: How does wave speed and frequency allow cell systems to handle so many calls?

1. Project work:  Complete data analysis.  Can you use one or more wave behaviors to explain your results of good or bad cell reception?  

     Wave behaviors:  energy conservation, reflection, refraction, absorption, diffraction, interference  

     Map of nearby cell towers to MHS

2.  Demo/Simulation:  What affects wave speed?  (Challenge:  What can you change about the simulation to change the wave speed?) 

          Speed of sound vs. light:  fireworks:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOaweqF0Q-o

          Lightning and thunder:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDmDg0eXrmw

If absent, watch this video about calculating the speed of waves:

3.  In-class practice with wave speed formula

4.  Practice by clicking "Take Quiz" below!

If absent, read below:  The Wave Speed Formula: 

Example: 

The wavelength of a sound wave is 0.78 meters and its frequency is 440 Hertz. What is the speed of the wave?

0.78 meters is the wavelength. 

440 Hz is the frequency. 

We need to find velocity, v. 

v = f x λ 

v = (440 Hz) x (0.78 m) 

v = 343.2 m/s