GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Water Ripples

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Waves Waves in air, fluids and solids

Water Ripples

4:27 Wave Speed
Spec 4.6.1.2
Previous Measuring Speed of Sound - Oscilloscope Next Waves & Boundaries
  • Water waves can be created and observed in a ripple tank, a common classroom experiment.
  • In exams, you may need to analyze the process and results of such experiments.
  • A ripple tank setup involves a plank periodically dipped into water, creating waves.
  • The plank can be moved by elastic bands or a motor.
  • Waves are created as the plank displaces water.
  • Waves can be difficult to see directly, so a light source is used to create shadows of the ripples on a screen.
  • Shadows correspond to wave peaks, allowing measurement of wave properties.
  • The distance between shadows gives the wavelength of the waves.
  • Wavelength is the distance between two equivalent points on the wave, such as peaks.
  • For accuracy, measure between multiple shadows.
  • Example: 8 cm distance covers 5 wavelengths, so one wavelength is 1.6 cm.
  • Frequency is the number of shadows passing a point per second.
  • Example: 2 shadows pass in 5 seconds, frequency is 0.4 Hz.
  • Wavelength and frequency can determine wave speed.
  • Speed of a wave is the rate of energy transfer or pattern movement.
  • Speed is calculated using the equation: Speed = Wavelength x Frequency.
  • Example: Wavelength of 1.6 cm and frequency of 0.4 Hz gives speed of 0.64 cm/s.
  • Speed can also be measured by timing shadow travel over a distance, verifying the speed equation.

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