Experiments with waves and light

Question 1

What does an oscilloscope measure?

Answer 1

The speed of sound

Question 2

Oscilloscope experiment

Answer 2

Using two microphones, set up a oscilloscope so the detected waves at each microphone is shown as separate waves
Start with both microphones next to the speaker then slowly move one further away until the waves on the screen are one wavelength apart
Measure the distance between the microphones to find the wavelength

Question 3

Water ripple experiment

Answer 3

Using a signal generator attached to the dipper of the ripple tank, waves can be set at a frequency
Use a lamp to see the wave crests
The distance between 10 shadow lines and divide by 10 to find one wavelength (can take photo)

Question 4

Waves on a string practical

Answer 4

Set up a signal generator and vibration transducer attached to a string and a pulley
Turn on the signal generator and vibration transducer which will cause the string to vibrate
Adjust the frequency until there is a clear wave on the string
Measure the wavelength (usually the length of five waves and find the mean)

Question 5

Investigating refraction

Answer 5

Place a block of glass on the piece of paper and trace around it
Use a ray block/laser to shine a ray of light at the middle of the block
Trace the incidence ray and mark where the ray emerges on the other side and draw a connecting line
Draw a normal line and record the angle

Question 6

Investigating reflection

Answer 6

Take a piece of paper and draw a straight line across it. Place an object so one of its sides lines up with this line
Shine a ray at the object surface and trace the incoming and reflected light beams
Draw a normal life and measure the angle of incidence and reflection