6.1.5 Required Practical: Measuring Wave Properties

• What is the practical overview focused on measuring?

  The properties of waves in different mediums
• What are the three types of waves measured in the practical?

  • Water waves in a ripple tank
  • Waves on a string
  • Sound waves in air
• What apparatus is required for measuring water waves?

  • Ripple tank
  • Ruler
  • Stroboscope or stopwatch
  • Light source
  • White screen
• What apparatus is required for measuring waves on a string?

  • String or slinky
  • Vibration generator or mechanical oscillator
  • Pulley and masses
  • Ruler
  • Stopwatch
• What apparatus is required for measuring sound waves?

  • Signal generator
  • Loudspeaker
  • Two microphones
  • Oscilloscope
  • Measuring tape or ruler
• What is the objective of measuring water waves in a ripple tank?

  To measure the frequency, wavelength, and speed of water waves
• What is the setup procedure for measuring water waves in a ripple tank?

  1. Fill a ripple tank with water and place it on a flat surface.

  2. Create consistent ripples using a motor or hand.

  3. Shine a light from above to project the wave pattern onto a white screen.
• How do you measure the wavelength of water waves in a ripple tank?

  By measuring the distance between two consecutive wave crests on the screen
• How do you calculate the frequency of water waves?

  By dividing the number of waves by the time taken
• What is the wave speed equation used in the practical?

  $v =$$f \times \lambda$
• If the wavelength is 0.5 meters and the frequency is 3 Hz, what is the wave speed?

  $1.5 \, \text{m/s}$
• What is the objective of measuring waves on a string?

  To measure the frequency, wavelength, and speed of waves on a string
• What is the setup procedure for measuring waves on a string?

  1. Attach one end of a string to a vibration generator or mechanical oscillator.

  2. Pass the string over a pulley and attach masses to keep it taut.

  3. Adjust the oscillator to create standing waves on the string.
• How do you measure the wavelength of waves on a string?

  By identifying the number of loops (antinodes) formed along the string
• How is the frequency of the wave on a string determined?

  It can be set or read from the signal generator or vibration generator
• If the string shows two loops over a 1-meter length and the frequency is 50 Hz, what is the wave speed?

  $50 \, \text{m/s}$
• What is the objective of measuring sound waves in air?

  To measure the speed of sound in air using microphones and an oscilloscope
• What is the setup procedure for measuring sound waves in air?


  1. Place two microphones a known distance apart and connect them to an oscilloscope.

  2. Use a signal generator to produce a sound wave or clap hands to create a sound pulse.
• How do you measure the time delay for sound waves in air?

  By observing the time difference between the sound reaching the first and second microphone on the oscilloscope
• What formula is used to calculate the speed of sound in air?

  $v =$$\frac{\text{distance}}{\text{time}}$
• If the distance between the microphones is 1 meter and the time delay is 0.003 seconds, what is the speed of sound?

  $333 \, \text{m/s}$
• What are the key points to remember during the practical?

  • Ensure all measurements are accurate.
  • Keep environmental conditions consistent for sound waves.
  • Ensure safety when working with electrical equipment and water.
• Why do standing waves form on a string?

  Due to the interference between the incoming wave and the reflected wave from the fixed end
• How does wave speed change with frequency and wavelength?

  Wave speed is a product of frequency and wavelength
• What factors can affect the speed of sound in air?

  Temperature, humidity, and air pressure
• What is the conclusion of the practical overview?

  • Provides hands-on experience with wave properties.
  • Reinforces theoretical concepts discussed in class.
  • Helps understand how waves behave in different mediums.
  • Essential for mastering wave topics in GCSE Physics.