GCSE Physics Required Practical: Investigating Mechanical Waves

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.

Improving Precision

Counting the number of waves over a greater period of time greater than 10 seconds will create an average of the frequency over more waves and therefore increasing the precision.

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.

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.

Improving Precision

Calculate an average for the wave speed over a greater number of results to give a more precise number.