CP4B Core practical - Investigating waves Flashcards
(5 cards)
What is a ripple tank
A shallow glass tank oscillating paddle that creates waves
Outline basic steps of the practical
1) Set up the ripple tank with a lamp above it and white paper below it
2) Switch on motor attached to wooden rod
3) Measure the wavelength of the waves being cast onto the card using a ruler
4) Count the number of waves passing a point in 10 seconds and calculate frequency
5) Calc wave speed
How should the wooden rod be set up in the ripple tank
The wooden rod should be placed into the tank so that it just touches the surface of the water
How should you measure the wavelengths of the waves on the card
1) Adjust the lamp position so that the waves are clearly projected
2) Using a metre rule, measure across as many waves as you can
3) Divide the distance by the number of waves measured across
How do you measure the frequency of the waves on the card
Count the number of waves passing a chosen point in 10 seconds
Divide the number by 1o to produce frequency