Lab #9: Ripple Tank Lab

Lab #9: Ripple Tank Lab

Objective:

Observe and draw wave phenomena. (reflection, periodic straight waves, refraction, diffraction and interference.)

Procedures:

Use the ripple tank to generate and observe specific wave phenomenon. Draw diagrams of the observed phenomena. Draw incident waves in a different color than reflected, refracted or diffracted waves. For each diagram, provide a caption with the type of wave phenomenon drawn. Ignore waves that reflect off the sides of the tank.

Define the following terms:wave front, wave direction, wavelength,frequency, incident wave, reflection, periodic waves, refraction, diffraction, interference.

Observations:Draw each type of observation on a separate page.

1. Reflection:a. Straight waves incident on a barrier at zero degrees. Use a dowel to make a straight pulse.

b. Straight waves incident on a barrier at a 45o angle.

c. Circular waves hitting a straight barrier. Use an eye dropper to create circular waves.

2. Periodic Straight Waves: a. High frequency – observe with stroboscope and determine wavelength in cm.

b. Low frequency – observe with stroboscope and determine wavelength in cm.

3. Refraction:a. Straight periodic waves moving from deep to shallow water. Observe with stroboscope.

(We will do this together)

4. Diffraction:a. Straight periodic waves through a narrow opening. Observe with stroboscope.

b. Straight periodic waves through a wide opening. Observe with stroboscope

5. Interference:a. Two point interference with one blank hole between the bead rods.

Observe with stroboscope.

Lab #9: Ripple Tank Lab

Objective:

Observe and draw wave phenomena. (reflection, periodic straight waves, refraction, diffraction and interference.)

Procedures:

Use the ripple tank to generate and observe specific wave phenomenon. Draw diagrams of the observed phenomena. Draw incident waves in a different color than reflected, refracted or diffracted waves. For each diagram, provide a caption with the type of wave phenomenon drawn. Ignore waves that reflect off the sides of the tank.

Define the following terms:wave front, wave direction, wavelength, frequency, incident wave, reflection, periodic waves, refraction, diffraction, interference.

Observations: Draw each type of observation on a separate page.

1. Reflection:a. Straight waves incident on a barrier at zero degrees. Use a dowel to make a straight pulse.

b. Straight waves incident on a barrier at a 45o angle.

c. Circular waves hitting a straight barrier. Use an eye dropper to create circular waves.

2. Periodic Straight Waves: a. High frequency – observe with stroboscope and determine wavelength in cm.

b. Low frequency – observe with stroboscope and determine wavelength in cm.

3. Refraction:a. Straight periodic waves moving from deep to shallow water. Observe with stroboscope.

(We will do this together)

4. Diffraction:a. Straight periodic waves through a narrow opening. Observe with stroboscope.

b. Straight periodic waves through a wide opening. Observe with stroboscope

5. Interference:a. Two point interference with one blank hole between the bead rods.

Observe with stroboscope.