What Are Waves? — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

MS-PS4-1

About This Reader

This comprehensive science passage for grades 6-8 explains the fundamental concept of waves and their role in energy transfer, aligning with NGSS standard MS-PS4-1. Students will explore how waves operate as disturbances that move energy without directly moving matter, illustrated by familiar examples like ocean waves, sound waves, and light waves. The passage emphasizes mechanistic understanding, real-world applications, and connections to larger scientific principles. With accessible language, a glossary of key terms, and both English and Spanish translations, this curriculum resource is ideal for differentiated instruction. Audio integration supports English learners and students with diverse needs. The included activities—such as multiple-choice quizzes, writing prompts, and graphic organizers—encourage deeper analysis and critical thinking. This resource equips students with the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding wave phenomena in various contexts, setting the stage for future scientific learning.

CONTENT PREVIEW

wavelength-1 — Illustration showing wavelength as the distance between wave peaks

Waves are a fundamental part of science and everyday life, playing a crucial role in how energy moves across our planet. When we see ripples spreading across a pond, hear a song, or turn on a flashlight, we are observing different types of waves in action. Understanding how waves work helps us explain how energy, sound, and light travel from place to place. This knowledge is essential for everything from predicting ocean tides to designing modern technology.

How Waves Transfer Energy

A wave is a disturbance that carries energy from one location to another without transporting matter itself. For example, when you shake one end of a rope or slinky, a wave moves along it, but the rope or slinky itself does not travel with the wave. Instead, the particles of the medium—such as water in the ocean or air for sound—move back and forth or up and down but return to their original places. Only the energy moves forward. In ocean waves, the energy moves through water, but the water itself does not travel across the sea. Similarly, when you hear someone talking, sound waves move through the air, but the air itself does not flow from the speaker to your ear.

Types and Examples of Waves

There are many kinds of waves, each with unique characteristics. Ocean waves are visible examples where energy travels through water. In a laboratory, scientists often use a slinky to demonstrate how waves can be transverse (moving up and down) or longitudinal (moving back and forth). Sound waves are longitudinal and require a medium like air or water to travel. Light waves, on the other hand, are transverse and do not need a medium—they can travel through the vacuum of space. Each type of wave transfers energy, but the way it moves and interacts with its medium can differ. For instance, sound travels faster in water than in air, while light slows down when it passes through glass compared to air.

Waves in Technology and Nature

Understanding waves has allowed scientists and engineers to create technologies such as radios, cell phones, and medical imaging. Electromagnetic waves, which include light, radio, and X-rays, enable us to communicate and see beyond what our eyes can naturally detect. In nature, waves play a role in everything from earthquakes (seismic waves) to animal communication. The study of waves connects to the broader scientific principle that energy can be transferred and transformed but is never destroyed, supporting the law of conservation of energy.

By studying waves, we not only learn about the movement of energy but also gain insight into the behavior of matter and the operation of many natural and human-made systems. Waves shape our world, from the sounds we hear to the light we see and the technology we use every day.

Interesting Fact:
Light waves from the Sun travel 150 million kilometers to reach Earth, taking just over 8 minutes to arrive!

What is a wave, according to the passage?

A disturbance that transfers energy without moving matter.A type of matter that moves on its own.A tool used in laboratories.A device that produces sound.

Which of the following is NOT an example of a wave mentioned in the passage?

Sound waveOcean waveLight waveGravity wave

What does a medium refer to in the context of waves?

The person observing the waveThe material a wave travels throughA type of energyA tool used to measure waves

How do sound waves travel from a speaker to your ear?

By moving air from the speaker to your earBy transferring energy through air moleculesBy moving light through the roomBy pushing water through the air

Which statement best describes the difference between light waves and sound waves?

Light waves need a medium; sound waves do not.Both light and sound waves are longitudinal.Sound waves need a medium; light waves do not.Light and sound waves travel at the same speed.

Why do scientists use a slinky to demonstrate waves in a laboratory?

To show how waves can be transverse or longitudinal.To measure the temperature of waves.To move water from one place to another.To create electromagnetic waves.

Which real-world technology relies on our understanding of electromagnetic waves?

Cell phonesMagnetsBicyclesPlants

Which of the following is TRUE about waves?

Waves always move matter from one place to another.Waves only exist in water.

Light waves from the Sun take just over 8 minutes to reach Earth.

TrueFalse

Waves help transfer energy in both natural and human-made systems.

TrueFalse