---
title: "SP4: Wave Properties and Applications (Georgia Science standard)"
code: SP4
cite_as: Georgia Standards of Excellence, Science, SP4
subject: science
grades:
  - high-school
language: en
canonical_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SP4
md_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SP4.md
alternate_language_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/es/standards/code/SP4.md
source_url: https://case.georgiastandards.org/ims/case/v1p1/CFDocuments/27a08dc6-416e-11e7-ba71-02bd89fdd987
source_last_changed: 2025-05-29
data_built: 2026-09-18
publisher: Georgia Homeroom, a free public-interest project of Georgia Civic Data. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Georgia Department of Education or any school district.
up: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/high-school.md
index: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/index.md
---

# SP4: Wave Properties and Applications

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the properties and applications of waves.

- Subject: Science
- Appears in: High School, https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/high-school.md

## Expectations

- **SP4.a**: Develop and use mathematical models to explain mechanical and electromagnetic waves as a propagating disturbance that transfers energy.
- **SP4.b**: Develop and use models to describe and calculate characteristics related to the interference and diffraction of waves (single and double slits).
- **SP4.c**: Construct an argument that analyzes the production and characteristics of sounds waves.
- **SP4.d**: Plan and carry out investigations to characterize the properties and behavior of electromagnetic waves.
- **SP4.e**: Plan and carry out investigations to describe common features of light in terms of color, polarization, spectral composition, and wave speed in transparent media. * Analyze experimentally and mathematically aspects of reflection and refraction of light waves and describe the results using optical ray diagrams. * Perform calculations related to reflections from plane surfaces and focusing using thin lenses.
- **SP4.f**: Plan and carry out investigations to identify the behavior of light using lenses.
- **SP4.g**: Plan and carry out investigations to describe changes in diffraction patterns associated with geometry and wavelength for mechanical and electromagnetic waves.

## Georgia Milestones coverage

No Georgia Milestones blueprint cites this standard.

Source: Georgia Standards of Excellence, published by the Georgia Department of Education at case.georgiastandards.org.