Speed of a Wave

The Speed of a Wave Video Tutorial explains the meaning of wave speed, how to calculate the speed of a wave, and the properties that affect the speed of a wave.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

What is wave speed and how is it calculated?
What variables affect the speed at which waves move?

Video

You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).

To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:

Additional and Related Learning Tools

Concept Builder: Waves and Sound - Matching Pairs - Wave Characteristics
Very few students fail to see the value in a Concept Builder. These interactive exercises provide ample opportunity to put conceptual understandings to use. This one pertains to wave speed, wavelength, amplitude, frequency, and period. It is an exceptional review of this video and the two that came before it in our Tutorial Series on Vibrations and Waves.

Concept Builder: Waves and Sound - Waves: Case Studies
In this Concept Builder, you will learn how to predict the effect of wave properties and medium properties upon the speed and wavelength of a wave. It's great practice for the concepts in the last half of the video.

Calculator Pad, Vibrations and Waves, Problem Set WM5
Calculator Pad problem sets make for awesome problem-solving practice. They provide problems with random numbers, an answer field, and lots of help. Enter an answer and check it; correct it if it's wrong. Problem Set WM5 includes six v=d/t calculations for wave speed. Tap one of the Help links if you're having trouble.

Physics Classroom Tutorial: Vibrations and Waves Chapter, Lesson 2 - Speed of a Wave
Our written tutorial pages provide a thorough, easy-to-understand, common-sense approach to Physics topics. This particular page addresses the same topics covered in the video. As such, it makes a great reference for a quick check-up or clarification of an idea.

Teacher Resources

Curriculum Corner: Wave Motion
Try our Curriculum Corner for a Think Sheet or a whole unit of Think Sheets and get your students thinking about waves. If the video is homework; then these are awesome next day starters. This is free curriculum for the taking. And for a few extra bucks, you can obtain the source documents and purchase a license to place them and any deriviative from them on your course management pages; see the Solutions Guide.

Physics Interactives: Waves and Sound - Simple Wave Simulator
This is a very popular simulation and one worth using with your classes. It comes with a classroom-ready student activity sheet. And don't forget the Concept Checker as a follow-up. Between our video, our simulations, and you're usual engaging labs, you're going to have some awesome lesson plans.

Minds On Physics, Wave Motion: Mission WM3
Mission WM3, titled The Speed of a Wave, focuses on the meaning of wave speed, factors that affect and do not affect wave speed, and the mathematics of wave speed. This provides great chance for students to dive a bit deeper.

Concept Builder: Waves and Sound - Matching Pairs - Wave Characteristics
Very few students fail to see the value in a Concept Builder. These interactive exercises provide ample ooportunity to put conceptual understandings to use. This one pertains to wave speed, wavelength, amplitude, frequency, and period. It is an exceptional review of this video and the two that came before it in our Tutorial Series on Vibrations and Waves.

Concept Builder: Waves and Sound - Waves: Case Studies
In this Concept Builder, students will learn how to predict the effect of wave properties and medium properties upon the speed and wavelength of a wave. It's great practice for the concepts in the last half of the video.

Calculator Pad, Vibrations and Waves, Problem Set WM5
Calculator Pad problem sets make for awesome problem-solving practice. They provide problems with random numbers, an answer field, and lots of help. Students enter an answer and have it checked; they can correct it if it's wrong. Problem Set WM5 includes six v=d/t calculations for wave speed. Each problem is accompanied by some form of help.

Lesson Notes

Download (opens in a new tab) or view below

Slides

Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.