CP4B Core practical - Investigating waves

Question 1

What is a ripple tank

Answer 1

A shallow glass tank oscillating paddle that creates waves

Question 2

Outline basic steps of the practical

Answer 2

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

Question 3

How should the wooden rod be set up in the ripple tank

Answer 3

The wooden rod should be placed into the tank so that it just touches the surface of the water

Question 4

How should you measure the wavelengths of the waves on the card

Answer 4

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

Question 5

How do you measure the frequency of the waves on the card

Answer 5

Count the number of waves passing a chosen point in 10 seconds
Divide the number by 1o to produce frequency