ripple tank

• What is the purpose of a ripple tank?

  To observe features of water waves
• What is the setup of a ripple tank?

  A shallow tray of water with a vibrating bar
• What connects the vibrating bar in a ripple tank?

  A power pack
• How are waves created in a ripple tank?

  By the vibrating bar creating waves across the water
• What does the light shining through the water produce?

  An image of the waves on paper
• How can you measure the wavelength of water waves?

  By freezing the image and measuring with a ruler
• How do you convert 26 centimeters to meters?

  0.26 meters
• How do you find one wavelength from the total distance of 10 wavelengths?

  Divide the total distance by 10
• What is frequency in the context of water waves?

  The number of waves passing a point each second
• How can you accurately measure frequency?

  Count waves in 10 seconds and divide by 10
• How do you calculate wave speed?

  Frequency multiplied by wavelength
• What is another method to determine wave speed?

  Measure time for a wave to travel the tank
• Why might results differ using two methods to measure wave speed?

  Due to measurement errors
• What are the steps to measure wavelength, frequency, and speed of water waves using a ripple tank?

  1. Set up the ripple tank with a vibrating bar.
  2. Freeze the image of waves on paper.
  3. Measure the distance for 10 wavelengths.
  4. Divide by 10 to find one wavelength.
  5. Count waves passing a point in 10 seconds.
  6. Divide by 10 to find frequency.
  7. Use wave equation: speed = frequency × wavelength.
• What equipment is needed for the ripple tank practical?

  • Ripple tank
  • Vibrating bar
  • Power pack
  • Ruler
  • Timer
  • Mobile phone for recording
  • White paper