View source for GCSE Physics Required Practical: Investigating Mechanical Waves

==Key Stage 4==
===Meaning===
Investigate the features of [[Mechanical Wave|mechanical waves]].

===Experiment 1: Ripple Tank===
====Method====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|[[File:RequiredPracticalRippleTank.png|center|600px]]
|-
| style="height:20px; width:200px; text-align:center;" |A [[diagram]] of the [[apparatus]] used to investigate the features of [[Mechanical Wave|mechanical waves]].
|}

: Set up the equipment as shown in the [[diagram]].
#Count the number of [[wave]]s that pass a given point over 10 [[second]]s.
#Divide the number of [[wave]]s by the 10 [[second]]s to find the [[frequency]] of the [[wave]]s.
#[[Measure]] the length of the [[Ripple Tank|ripple tank]] from paddle to end using a [[ruler]].
#Use a [[stopwatch]] to [[time]] how long it takes for a [[wave]] to travel this [[displacement]].
#Use the equation <math>v=\frac{s}{t}</math> to find the [[velocity]] of the [[wave]].
#Use the equation <math>v=f \lambda</math> to find the [[wavelength]] of the [[wave]].

====Improving [[Accuracy]]====
: Count the number of [[wave]]s over a greater period of [[time]] greater than 10 [[second]]s to reduce the effect of [[Human Error|human error]] on the [[frequency]].

====Improving [[Precision]]====
: Counting the number of [[wave]]s over a greater period of [[time]] greater than 10 [[second]]s will create an [[Mean Average|average]] of the [[frequency]] over more [[wave]]s and therefore increasing the [[precision]].

===Experiment 2: Waves on a String===
====Method====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|[[File:RequiredPracticalRippleTank.png|center|600px]]
|-
| style="height:20px; width:200px; text-align:center;" |A [[diagram]] of the [[apparatus]] used to investigate the features of [[Mechanical Wave|mechanical waves]].
|}

: Set up the equipment as shown in the [[diagram]].
#Count the number of [[wave]]s that pass a given point over 10 [[second]]s.
#Divide the number of [[wave]]s by the 10 [[second]]s to find the [[frequency]] of the [[wave]]s.
#[[Measure]] the length of the [[Ripple Tank|ripple tank]] from paddle to end using a [[ruler]].
#Use a [[stopwatch]] to [[time]] how long it takes for a [[wave]] to travel this [[displacement]].
#Use the equation <math>v=\frac{s}{t}</math> to find the [[velocity]] of the [[wave]].
#Use the equation <math>v=f \lambda</math> to find the [[wavelength]] of the [[wave]].

====Improving [[Accuracy]]====
: Count the number of [[wave]]s over a greater period of [[time]] greater than 10 [[second]]s to reduce the effect of [[Human Error|human error]] on the [[frequency]].

====Improving [[Precision]]====
: Counting the number of [[wave]]s over a greater period of [[time]] greater than 10 [[second]]s will create an [[Mean Average|average]] of the [[frequency]] over more [[wave]]s and therefore increasing the [[precision]].