Waves - Frequency, wavelength & speed

This practical lesson covers:

  1. How to determine the wavelength and wave speed using a ripple tank

Investigating the relationship between wave speed, frequency and wavelength using a ripple tank


Aim:

To make observations to identify the suitability of apparatus to measure the frequency, wavelength and speed of waves in a ripple tank and waves in a solid and take appropriate measurements. 

Background information:

This experiment uses a ripple tank to explore how changing the frequency of waves affects their speed and wavelength, helping you see the connection between these wave properties. The waves are produced using a vibrating paddle connected to a signal generator.

Variables:

  1. Independent variable - Frequency of waves
  2. Dependent variable - Wavelength and wave speed
  3. Control variables - Depth of water in ripple tank, shape of ripple tank and the shape of the object creating the waves

What is the equation that links wave speed, frequency and wavelength?

frequency = wavespeed + wavelength
frequency = wavespeed× wavelength
wavespeed = frequency × wavelength
wavespeed =wavelength frequency​

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The signal generator is set to 5 Hz. A student measures the distance between two consecutive wave fronts to be 3 cm. Calculate the speed of the wave.

15 m/s

60 m/s

1.7 m/s

0.15 m/s

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Why does the student use such a low frequency on the signal generator?

to make sure the waves travel in a straight line

to make the waves travel faster across the ripple tank

to make make sure the wavelength isn't too short to measure using a ruler

to make the calculations easy

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A student measures the distance of 10 cm for 6 consecutive wave fronts. What is the wavelength of the wave?

2 m

0.02 m

0.017 m

1.67 m

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Which of the following properties of a wave is proportional to frequency when the wavelength is kept constant?

amplitude

wavelength

time period

wave speed

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