The Ejs Wave Representations model displays two representations of a sinusoidal wave on a string. One shows a movie of the wave traveling along a string - you can think of this representation as a sequence of photographs. The second representation is a plot of the displacement as a function of time for two points on the string (you can select which two points to use). Using only these two representations, you can determine the values of many different parameters that describe the wave. You can modify this simulation if you have Ejs installed by right-clicking within the plot and selecting "Open Ejs Model" from the pop-up menu item.
Ejs Wave Representations model was created using the Easy Java Simulations (Ejs) modeling tool. It is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. Double clicking the ejs_bu_Wave_representations.jar file will run the program if Java is installed. Ejs is a part of the Open Source Physics Project and is designed to make it easier to access, modify, and generate computer models. Additional Ejs models for physics are available. They can be found by searching ComPADRE for Open Source Physics, OSP, or Ejs.
Please note that this resource requires
at least version 1.5 of Java (JRE).
Ejs Wave Representations Worksheet
A pdf document that contains exercises for use with the Ejs Wave Representations Model and the ejs_bu_Wave_representations.jar file. download 56kb .pdf
Published: June 8, 2008
A simple wave has a repeating pattern with a specific wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. (6-8)
The wavelength and frequency of a wave are related to one another by the speed of travel of the wave, which depends on the type of wave and the medium through which it is passing. (9-12)
Crosscutting Concepts (K-12)
Patterns (K-12)
Graphs and charts can be used to identify patterns in data. (6-8)
Empirical evidence is needed to identify patterns. (9-12)
Structure and Function (K-12)
The functions and properties of natural and designed objects and systems can be inferred from their overall structure, the way their components are shaped and used, and the molecular substructures of its various materials. (9-12)
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices (K-12)
Analyzing and Interpreting Data (K-12)
Analyzing data in 9–12 builds on K–8 and progresses to introducing more detailed statistical analysis, the comparison of data sets for consistency, and the use of models to generate and analyze data. (9-12)
Analyze data using tools, technologies, and/or models (e.g., computational, mathematical) in order to make valid and reliable scientific claims or determine an optimal design solution. (9-12)
Developing and Using Models (K-12)
Modeling in 9–12 builds on K–8 and progresses to using, synthesizing, and developing models to predict and show relationships among variables between systems and their components in the natural and designed worlds. (9-12)
Use a model to provide mechanistic accounts of phenomena. (9-12)
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking (5-12)
Mathematical and computational thinking at the 9–12 level builds on K–8 and progresses to using algebraic thinking and analysis, a range of linear and nonlinear functions including trigonometric functions, exponentials and logarithms, and computational tools for statistical analysis to analyze, represent, and model data. Simple computational simulations are created and used based on mathematical models of basic assumptions. (9-12)
Use mathematical representations of phenomena to describe explanations. (9-12)
A. Duffy, Computer Program WAVE REPRESENTATIONS MODEL (2008), WWW Document, (https://www.compadre.org/repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=7618&DocID=611).
Duffy, A. (2008). Wave Representations Model [Computer software]. Retrieved February 7, 2025, from https://www.compadre.org/repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=7618&DocID=611
%0 Computer Program %A Duffy, Andrew %D June 4, 2008 %T Wave Representations Model %8 June 4, 2008 %9 Ejs simulation %U https://www.compadre.org/repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=7618&DocID=611
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changes made: fixed the " with ' which is giving some error message in Ejs 4.3.3 re arrange to usual layout and color scheme made the 2 x1 and x2 points drag-gable to improve usability made feedback immediate, improve user experience added frequency = 1/T added phase lead of x1 to x2 = (xval2-xval)/lambda*2*Math.PI; added a better code to code for phase lead in multiple of 2*Math.PI thanks to Hwang Fu-Kwun expert advise http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/ntnujava/index.php?topic=2179.0