experiments with waves

• What is the first step in using an oscilloscope to measure the speed of sound?

  Set up the oscilloscope for separate waves
• What should you do after placing both microphones next to the speaker?

  Move one microphone away until waves align
• How do you find one wavelength (λ) in the oscilloscope experiment?

  Measure the distance between the microphones
• What formula is used to find the speed of sound waves?

  v = fλ
• What frequency is suggested for the signal generator in the sound speed experiment?

  Around 1 kHz
• What is the first step in measuring the speed of water ripples using a lamp?

  Dim the lights and turn on the lamp
• How is the distance between shadow lines related to wavelength?

  Each shadow line equals one wavelength
• How do you find the average wavelength from shadow lines?

  Measure distance of 10 wavelengths, divide by 10
• What alternative method can be used if measuring distance is difficult?

  Take a photo of shadows and ruler
• What formula is used to calculate the speed of water waves?

  v = fλ
• Why is the setup for measuring water ripples suitable?

  It measures wavelength without disturbing waves
• What is the first step in creating a wave on a string?

  Set up the equipment and turn on the generator
• How does adjusting the frequency affect the wave on the string?

  It changes the length of the wave created
• What condition indicates a clear wave on the string?

  Whole number of half-wavelengths fit on the string
• How do you measure the wavelength of the wave on the string?

  Measure length of half-wavelengths, divide by total
• How do you find the full wavelength from the half-wavelength measurement?

  Double the mean half-wavelength value
• What is the frequency of the wave on the string based on?

  It is based on the signal generator setting
• How do you find the speed of the wave on the string?

  Use the formula v = fλ
• What are the common steps in the wave experiments described?

  • Set frequency on signal generator
  • Measure the length of the resulting wave
  • Use the equation v = fλ to find wave speed
• What is the main purpose of these wave experiments?

  To measure wave speed using various methods
• What is the general equation used in all wave experiments?

  v = fλ