P12 - Observing water waves in a ripple tank

Step 1

Put about 5mm depth of water in the ripple tank then measure and record the depth of water using a meter rule

Step 2

Turn on the motor then measure the time for ten waves to pass

Step 3

Divide the time by 10 to get the wave period then calculate the frequency using → frequency = 1/period

Step 4

Measure the length of 6 to 8 waves and divide to get the wavelength

Step 5

Calculate the wave speed using → wave speed = frequency x wavelength

Step 6

Add more water to the tank and repeat then plot a graph of wave speed against depth of water