A vibrating beam in a ripple tank creates water waves in a clear bottomed container that makes the waves easier to observe.

A film played back in slow motion shows everything happening slowly, including the speed of a timer shown in the film.

The wave equation is: wave speed = frequency × wavelength, v = f × λ.

The uncertainty in a measurement can be expressed as the range of values within which the true value must lie.

The number of significant figures of a measurement depends on how accurately the measurement is made.

Measuring waves in a ripple tank

Combined science

In the Electromagnetic waves unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn about the reflection and refraction of light, other types of electromagnetic radiation in the EM spectrum and the helpful and harmful effects of each type of radiation.

In the Waves unit, pupils learnt about the properties and propagation of transverse and longitudinal waves.

Measuring waves

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Which of the following pieces of equipment can be used to observe the behaviour of water waves in the classroom?

The frequency of a water wave equals the number of waves {{}} second.

Which of the following happens if the motor controlling the wooden beam on a ripple tank is made to spin faster? 

The wave speed of a water wave equals the {{}} multiplied by the wavelength.

The frequency of a water wave equals the wave speed divided by the ...

Measure the length of ten waves and divide the answer by ten.

Measure the length of one wave three times and calculate the average.

Starting with the most accurate, sort these methods of measuring the wavelength of a water wave into order of decreasing accuracy.

In which of the following directions does the water move in a water wave?

Which of the following accurately describes a water wave?

In which of the following directions should a wooden beam move in a trough of water to create water waves? 

Which of the following type of results do repeat measurements help to identify?

A result is {{}} if it is very different from other measurements of the same variable.

Which of the following measurements are needed to find the frequency of a water wave?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Measuring waves in a ripple tank

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.