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Difference between revisions of "GCSE Physics Required Practical: Investigating Mechanical Waves"

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==Key Stage 4==
 
==Key Stage 4==
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{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY0lXHPo_nM}}
 
===Meaning===
 
===Meaning===
 
Investigate the features of [[Mechanical Wave|mechanical waves]].
 
Investigate the features of [[Mechanical Wave|mechanical waves]].
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{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
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|[[File:RequiredPracticalRippleTank.png|center|600px]]
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|[[File:RippleTank.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]].
 
| style="height:20px; width:200px; text-align:center;" |A [[diagram]] of the [[apparatus]] used to investigate the features of [[Mechanical Wave|mechanical waves]].
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====Improving [[Accuracy]]====
 
====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]].
 
: 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]].
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−
====Improving [[Precision]]====
 
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: 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===
 
===Experiment 2: Waves on a String===
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{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
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|[[File:RequiredPracticalRippleTank.png|center|600px]]
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|[[File:StringWave.png|center|600px]]
 
|-
 
|-
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| style="height:20px; width:200px; text-align:center;" |A [[diagram]] of the [[apparatus]] used to investigate the features of [[Mechanical Wave|mechanical waves]].
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| style="height:20px; width:200px; text-align:center;" |A [[diagram]] of the [[apparatus]] used to investigate the features of a [[Waves on a String|wave on a string]].
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
: Set up the equipment as shown in the [[diagram]].
 
: Set up the equipment as shown in the [[diagram]].
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#Count the number of [[wave]]s that pass a given point over 10 [[second]]s.
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#Adjust the [[frequency]] of the [[oscillator]] until it produces a clear [[wave]] on the string.
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#Divide the number of [[wave]]s by the 10 [[second]]s to find the [[frequency]] of the [[wave]]s.
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#Record the [[frequency]] of the [[oscillator]].
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#[[Measure]] the length of the [[Ripple Tank|ripple tank]] from paddle to end using a [[ruler]].
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#[[Measure]] the [[wavelength]] of the [[wave]] using a [[ruler]].
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#Use a [[stopwatch]] to [[time]] how long it takes for a [[wave]] to travel this [[displacement]].
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#Use the equation <math>v=f \lambda</math> to find the [[Wave Speed|wavespeed]] of the [[wave]].
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#Use the equation <math>v=\frac{s}{t}</math> to find the [[velocity]] of the [[wave]].
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#Repeat for different 5 [[frequency|frequencies]] of the [[wave]].
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#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]].
 

Latest revision as of 21:45, 19 January 2020

Contents

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Investigate the features of mechanical waves.

Experiment 1: Ripple Tank

Method

 
A diagram of the apparatus used to investigate the features of mechanical waves.
Set up the equipment as shown in the diagram.
  1. Count the number of waves that pass a given point over 10 seconds.
  2. Divide the number of waves by the 10 seconds to find the frequency of the waves.
  3. Measure the length of the ripple tank from paddle to end using a ruler.
  4. Use a stopwatch to time how long it takes for a wave to travel this displacement.
  5. Use the equation \(v=\frac{s}{t}\) to find the velocity of the wave.
  6. Use the equation \(v=f \lambda\) to find the wavelength of the wave.

Improving Accuracy

Count the number of waves over a greater period of time greater than 10 seconds to reduce the effect of human error on the frequency.

Experiment 2: Waves on a String

Method

 
A diagram of the apparatus used to investigate the features of a wave on a string.
Set up the equipment as shown in the diagram.
  1. Adjust the frequency of the oscillator until it produces a clear wave on the string.
  2. Record the frequency of the oscillator.
  3. Measure the wavelength of the wave using a ruler.
  4. Use the equation \(v=f \lambda\) to find the wavespeed of the wave.
  5. Repeat for different 5 frequencies of the wave.
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