Measuring waves in a ripple tank
I can accurately measure the wavelength, frequency and wave speed of water waves in a ripple tank.
Measuring waves in a ripple tank
I can accurately measure the wavelength, frequency and wave speed of water waves in a ripple tank.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Frequency of a wave can be measured indirectly from its speed and wavelength.
- Wavelength of a wave can be measured by using a freeze frame of a wave moving along the length of a ruler.
- It is more accurate to measure the length of, e.g. ten waves and dividing by ten, than measuring one wavelength.
- Speed of a wave can be measured by recording the wave moving along a ruler with a timer in the frame.
- Accurate distance and time are measured by freezing the film, played back in slow motion, to track one wave crest.
Keywords
Ripple tank - A vibrating beam in a ripple tank creates water waves in a clear bottomed container that makes the waves easier to observe.
Slow motion - A film played back in slow motion shows everything happening slowly, including the speed of a timer shown in the film.
Wave equation - The wave equation is: wave speed = frequency × wavelength, v = f × λ.
Uncertainty - The uncertainty in a measurement can be expressed as the range of values within which the true value must lie.
Significant figures - The number of significant figures of a measurement depends on how accurately the measurement is made.
Common misconception
In the equation for the speed of a wave, v = f x λ, speed is dependent on frequency and/or wavelength.
Emphasise that the speed of a wave depends only on the wave medium and not on frequency or wavelength.
To help you plan your year 10 physics lesson on: Measuring waves in a ripple tank, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 physics lesson on: Measuring waves in a ripple tank, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 physics lessons from the Measuring waves unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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