Waves

Transverse and Longitudinal waves

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Observing properties of waves in a ripple tank (Required Practical)

Waves in a fluid can be observed using a ripple tank.

There are various ways that this can be done:

• The frequency of a wave can be found by counting the number of waves that pass a point every second
• The wave speed could be calculated by timing how long it takes a wave to travel a fixed distance.
• The wavelength can either be observed by using a metre rule or could be calculated once the wave speed and frequency is known.

Improving quality of results:

• Measure the wavelength of 10 waves and then divide length by 10
• Measure the time taken for 10 waves to pass a fixed point and divide by 10
• Take repeat measurements
• Ensure the lab is darkened so that wave fronts can be observed more clearly