Waves

• What is the aim of the experiment using a ripple tank?


  To identify the suitability of apparatus for wave measurements
• How does changing the frequency of waves affect their properties?

  It affects their speed and wavelength
• What apparatus is used to produce waves in the experiment?

  A vibrating paddle connected to a signal generator
• What are the variables in the ripple tank experiment?

  • Independent variable: Frequency of waves
  • Dependent variables: Wavelength and wave speed
  • Control variables:
  • Depth of water in ripple tank
  • Shape of ripple tank
  • Shape of the object creating the waves
• What is the independent variable in the ripple tank experiment?

  Frequency of waves
• What are the dependent variables in the ripple tank experiment?

  Wavelength and wave speed
• What control variables are maintained in the ripple tank experiment?

  Depth of water, shape of tank, shape of object
• Who is the physics teacher at Reading House School?

  Sarah Dix
• What is the core practical topic being investigated?

  Investigating waves
• What equipment is needed for the water wave experiment?

  • Ripple tank
  • Stopwatch
  • Ruler
  • Digital camera or smartphone
• Why is the dipper set parallel to the tank's short side?

  To measure more waves effectively
• How do you know the current is set correctly in the ripple tank?

  The waves are easy to count
• How long should you film the waves for?

  10 seconds
• What should you do to measure the wavelength of water waves?

  Look at the waves against the ruler
• How can you get a more accurate measurement of the wavelength?

  Use a smartphone camera to take a photo
• What do you need to mark on the paper below the ripple tank?

  Starting and finishing points
• How do you measure the time for a wave to travel a distance?

  Use a stopwatch with the slow motion function
• How do you calculate the speed of a single wave?

  Divide distance by time taken
• How do you find the frequency of the waves?

  Divide the number of waves by 10
• If you counted 5 waves in 10 seconds, what is the frequency?

  0.5 hertz
• How do you calculate the speed of a series of waves?

  Multiply wavelength by frequency
• What equipment is needed for measuring waves in a solid?

  • Two clamps and stands
  • Two rubber bands
  • Long metal rod (up to 1 meter)
  • Meter rule
  • Hammer
  • Smartphone with frequency app
• How do you suspend the metal rod for the experiment?

  Using clamps and rubber bands
• How do you measure the speed of sound in the metal rod?

  Hit the rod and note the peak frequency
• What should you do with the length of the rod?

  Double the length to get the wavelength
• How do you calculate the speed of sound in a metal rod?

  Multiply frequency by wavelength
• What might your teacher provide after the practical activities?

  • Further questions for reflection
  • Discussion on results
  • Suggestions for improvement