The buoy will move because the wave will push it.
The two images showing the
two different sides of the ocean
waves are different because the
first image of the wave is higher
than the second image of the
ocean wave.
Spring model moves up and down as the wave goes from left to right.
This GIZMOS Lab should be done Wednesday (11/4) and Thursday
(11/5) to stay current with your Weekly Learning Plan.
Student Exploration: Waves
Directions: Follow the instructions to go through the simulation. Respond to the questions and
prompts in the orange boxes.
Vocabulary: amplitude, compression, crest, frequency, linear mass density, longitudinal wave,
medium, period, power, rarefaction, transverse wave, trough, wave, wavelength, wave speed
Prior Knowledge Questions (Answer 1&2 BEFORE using the Gizmo.)
1. A buoy is anchored to the ocean floor. A large wave approaches the
buoy. How will the buoy move as the wave goes by?
2. The two images show side views of ocean waves. How are the two sets of waves different?
Gizmo Warm-up
Ocean swells are an example of waves. In the Waves Gizmo, you will
observe wave motion on a model of a spring. The hand can move the
spring up and down or back and forth.
To begin, check that the Type of wave is Transverse, Amplitude is 20.0 cm, Frequency is 0.75
Hz, Tension is 3.0 N, and Density is 1.0 kg/m. (Note: In this Gizmo, “density” refers to the linear
mass density, or mass per unit length. It is measured in units of kilograms per meter.)
1. Click Play ( ) in the GIZMO. How would you describe the motion of a transverse wave?
Click Pause ( ). Notice the crests (high points) and troughs (low points) of the wave.
2. Click Reset ( ). Choose the Longitudinal wave and increase the Amplitude to 20.0 cm. Click
Play. How would you describe the motion of a longitudinal wave? Click Pause. Notice the
