Identify suitable equipment to measure wave characteristics

• Explain how to find the wave speed of the waves in the ripple tank?

  Time how long it takes for one wave to travel the length of the tank. Then divide the time it takes by the tanks length

  
• Explain how to find the frequency of waves in the ripple tank?

  Count the number of waves passing a fixed point in a second

  
• Explain how to find the wavelength of waves in the ripple tank?

  Use a ruler to measure the peak to peak distance as the waves travel
• How could you more accurately estimate the wave speed, wavelength and frequency?

  You would redo the tests by using a stroboscope and then compare it to the previous results
• Explain how using a stroboscope can make wavelength measurements much more accurate?

  By projecting a shadow of the waves onto a screen below the stroboscope , flash speed can be adjusted to make the waves appear stationary
• What is the key control variable of the ripple tank practical?

  Water Depth - It is important to ensure that this is kept constant across the tank as , for a given frequency , the depth will affect the speed and wavelength
• To remember the stages of the ripple tank investigation you can use the acronym SFLS - (Wave speed , Wave frequency, Wave length and Stroboscope)