Ch 14: Holt Physical Science Chapter 14: Waves
About This Chapter
How It Works:
- Identify the lessons in the Holt Science Spectrum - Physical Science Waves chapter with which you need help.
- Find the corresponding video lessons with this companion course chapter.
- Watch fun videos that cover the waves topics you need to learn or review.
- Complete the quizzes to test your understanding.
- If you need additional help, rewatch the videos until you've mastered the material or submit a question for one of our instructors.
Students will learn:
- Types of waves
- Vibrations and waves
- Transverse and longitudinal waves
- Wave parameters
- Sound
- The Doppler effect
- Reflection and diffraction
- Refraction and dispersion
- Constructive and destructive interference
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1. Waves: Types & Definition
Examine the different types of waves and what parts of our daily lives are affected by waves, from the ocean to the microwave to sound. Explore how waves are measured and classified.
2. Vibrations and Waves: Energy and Motion
What is a wave? What causes waves, and how do they travel from one place to another? This lesson will guide you through the basics of waves. We'll discuss their origins from vibrations and investigate how they carry energy through a medium.
3. Transverse & Longitudinal Waves: Definition & Examples
What comes to mind when you think of a wave? Chances are your mental image takes the form of a transverse wave. But, longitudinal waves are just as important, and understanding the difference is vital to learning about waves. In this lesson, explore both types of waves and the unique characteristics of each.
4. Wave Parameters: Wavelength, Amplitude, Period, Frequency & Speed
How do we measure and describe waves? How do waves differ based upon their shapes? This lesson will guide you through the five wave parameters - period, frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and speed - that we use to characterize waves.
5. What is Sound? - Definition and Factors Affecting the Speed of Sound
Explore the minute workings of sound waves and how they travel. We'll discuss the main factors that affect the speed of sound waves, and we'll try some mathematical problems involving the wave equation.
6. The Doppler Effect: Definition, Examples & Applications
What is the Doppler effect? How does it affect our perceptions of sound and light? In this lesson, learn how traveling wave sources can change the way we observe sound and light waves. Explore the applications of the Doppler effect on shock waves, sonic booms, and the movements of distant galaxies.
7. Reflection: Angle of Incidence and Curved Surfaces
How do waves reflect off of surfaces? How do we account for the images that we see reflected in various objects? Discover the answers to these questions as we investigate the rays and angles defining the law of reflection.
8. Diffraction: Relation to Sound & Light and Effects of Wavelength
This lesson explores diffraction as one of the many behaviors of waves. Learn how diffraction occurs in sound and light waves and how it is affected by the wavelength of a wave. Find out how animals use diffraction to communicate and how scientists use it to study molecules.
9. Refraction & Dispersion: Definition, Snell's Law & Index of Refraction
Refraction explains why light bends in water. But, did you know that mathematical laws determine exactly how light waves are bent? In this lesson, we'll explore the mechanics of wave refraction, including Snell's Law and the index of refraction.
10. Constructive and Destructive Interference
What happens when one wave meets another? Do the waves converge to make one giant wave? Or, do they destroy each other? In this lesson, we'll explore the workings of wave interference.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Holt Science Spectrum - Physical Science: Online Textbook Help course
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 1: Introduction to Science
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 2: Matter
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 3: States of Matter & Energy
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 4: Atoms & the Periodic Table
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 5: The Structure of Matter
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 6: Chemical Reactions
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 7: Solutions
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 8: Acids, Bases & Salts
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 9: Nuclear Changes
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 10: Motion
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 11: Forces
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 12: Work & Energy
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 13: Heat & Temperature
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 15: Sound & Light
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 16: Electricity
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 17: Magnetism
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 18: Communication Technology
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 19: The Solar System
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 20: The Universe
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 21: Planet Earth
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 22: The Atmosphere
- Holt Physical Science Chapter 23: Using Natural Resources
