Learn how to make waves of all different shapes by adding up sines or cosines. Make waves in space and time and measure their wavelengths and periods. See how changing the amplitudes of different harmonics changes the waves. Compare different mathematical expressions for your waves.

Hands on Physics is a co-production of Blue Ridge PBS ECHO and Virtual Virginia. The episodes were all recorded in the demonstration physics lab at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

This demo shows a standing harmonic wave, with nodes, antinodes and how increasing the frequency reduces the wavelength.

VA SOL PH. 5

Hands on Physics is a co-production of Blue Ridge PBS ECHO and Virtual Virginia. The episodes were all recorded in the demonstration physics lab at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

Concepts include: pitch, frequency, resonance, closed and open tubes.
VA SOL PH. 5

Use the Sound Grapher to create visualizations of sound and learn about the frequency, wavelength, amplitude and velocity of sound waves.

See how light knocks electrons off a metal target, and recreate the experiment that spawned the field of quantum mechanics.

Broadcast radio waves from KPhET. Wiggle the transmitter electron manually or have it oscillate automatically. Display the field as a curve or vectors. The strip chart shows the electron positions at the transmitter and at the receiver.

This simulation lets you see sound waves. Adjust the frequency or volume and you can see and hear how the wave changes. Move the listener around and hear what she hears.

Overall goal of the module (reference: The standards that reflect intended Enduring Understanding)The student will:A.)  model a longitudinal (compression) wave and diagram, label, and describe the components (wavelength, compression, and frequency) (PS.6 a)B.)  explain the relationship between frequency and wavelength (PS.6 a)C.)  plan and conduct an investigation related to sound (the investigation may be a complete experimental design or may focus on systematic observation, description, measurement, and/or data collection and analysis) (PS.6 b)This module was developed by Tracey Nipper as part of a Virginia Commonwealth University STEM initiative sponsored by the Viginia Department of Education.

In this inquiry lab activity, students use technology including a free virtual oscilloscope to determine the links between the wave characteristics of sound waves and how people perceive sound. They will discover the connection between amplitude and volume of a wave, and the connection between the frequency of a wave and the pitch that people here.

In this inquiry lab activity, students use technology including a free virtual oscilloscope to determine the links between the wave characteristics of sound waves and how people perceive sound. They will discover the connection between amplitude and volume of a wave, and the connection between the frequency of a wave and the pitch that people here.

Watch a string vibrate in slow motion. Wiggle the end of the string and make waves, or adjust the frequency and amplitude of an oscillator. Adjust the damping and tension. The end can be fixed, loose, or open.