How do frequency and amplitude affect the energy carried by a wave?

Suggested flow · 35–50 min

1. Explore the deck and identify the controls.
2. Collect at least 3 trials in each fair-test set.
3. Graph each set and describe the pattern.
4. Write a CER using numeric evidence from both sets.
5. Export the report as a PDF.

Variables

Set A

Independent: frequency
Dependent: relative energy
Constant: amplitude

Set B

Independent: amplitude
Dependent: relative energy
Constant: frequency

Expected pattern

In this model, relative energy increases as either frequency or amplitude increases, but in different ways. Frequency and energy form a proportional, linear pattern: doubling frequency gives 2× the relative energy. Amplitude and energy form a nonlinear pattern: doubling amplitude gives 4× the relative energy.

Model boundary

The simulation represents vibrations in one unchanged medium and uses the normalized relationship E = A² × (f ÷ 100). This preserves the Unit 8.2 comparison: energy is proportional to frequency and related to amplitude squared. Values are relative energy units, not joules.

Discussion prompts

• Which variable caused the larger change over the tested range?
• What evidence shows that these were fair tests?
• Why does the graph curve instead of forming a straight line?
• What can this model explain, and what can it not explain?

Data & privacy

Work autosaves only in the current browser on the current device. No student data is sent to a server. “Export PDF” opens the browser print window so students can save or print their report.