Waves & Sound Mission
Investigate wave properties, sound, light, and optics — from oscillations and interference to diffraction and the electromagnetic spectrum.
8 activities · Work through in order for a complete lesson arc
Simple Harmonic Motion Explorer
Animate mass-spring and pendulum systems with damping modes, displacement graphs, and phase portraits.
Start with oscillations as the foundation of all waves.
Wave Explorer
Visualize transverse waves, superposition, interference, and standing waves.
Wave Interference Simulator
Visualize two-source interference patterns, thin-film colors, and beats with animated canvas and path-difference analysis.
Doppler Effect Simulator
Calculate perceived frequency shift with SVG wavefront visualization. Handles approaching and receding sources with Mach number detection.
EM Spectrum & Wave Calculator
Convert between frequency, wavelength, and energy. Interactive EM spectrum bar from radio to gamma rays with Wien's displacement law for blackbody radiation.
Standing Waves Lab
Visualize standing wave patterns on strings and in pipes. Adjust tension, length, and harmonic number to explore nodes, antinodes, and resonance frequencies
Pendulum Lab
Measure pendulum period at different lengths to derive gravitational acceleration. Plot T² vs L, compare small and large angle behavior, and explore planetary gravity presets
Diffraction & Slits Lab
Explore single slit, double slit, and diffraction grating patterns. Adjust wavelength and slit dimensions to see real-time intensity patterns with fringe calculations
Capstone — explore wave-particle duality of light.
Study Materials
Worksheets
Infographics
