p4 - measuring waves

Question 1

wavelength of water waves

Answer 1

1) place a ruler in the tank and measure the wavelength
or
2) use the stroboscopic to freeze the waves on the bench or floor below the ripple tank and use a ruler to measure the wavelength there.

Question 2

frequency of water waves

Answer 2

1) place a marker in the tank and count the number of waves passing it each second
or
2) place a small piece of paper touching the top of the vibrating bar as it vibrates. Make sure the bar can still vibrate. Listen to the bar hitting the paper, and count the vibrations per second

Question 3

speed of water wave s

Answer 3

1) from the wavelength and frequency, calculate the speed from those
or
2) work with a partner, place a piece of paper on the bench or floor. one student should draw a pencil like that follows the peak of one wave as it moves along. other student should time how long it takes to move a certain distance, and calculate speed

Question 4

speed equation

Answer 4

speed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) x wavelength (m)