ripple tank

• What is the purpose of a ripple tank?

  To observe the features of water waves
• What equipment is used in a ripple tank?

  A shallow tray of water and a vibrating bar
• How are waves created in a ripple tank?

  By a vibrating bar connected to a power pack
• How can you visualize the waves in a ripple tank?

  By shining light through the water onto paper
• What is the first step to measure the wavelength of water waves?

  Place a ruler on the paper
• How do you calculate one wavelength from ten wavelengths?

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

  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 with given values?

  Multiply frequency 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 in timing