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Dec 24, 2025

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2 pages

Exploring Wave Speed using Practical Experiments

Inyiego Coheh

@yumify

Ever wondered how scientists measure the invisible waves all around... Show more

Measuring Waves

Ripple tanks are brilliant tools that let you see waves in action - it's like having a mini ocean in your classroom! You'll need about 5cm of water and a wooden rod that just touches the surface. Once you switch on the lamp and motor, you can actually watch waves form and move across the water.

To measure wavelength, count several waves and measure their total length, then divide by the number of waves - this gives you a much more accurate result than measuring just one. Taking a photo with a ruler in shot is dead clever because you can measure everything properly later without the waves moving about.

For frequency, count how many waves pass a fixed point in ten seconds, then divide by ten. Once you've got both wavelength and frequency, you can work out wave speed using the formula: wave speed = frequency × wavelength. This equation is your best mate in wave physics!

Top Tip: Always measure multiple waves rather than just one - it reduces errors and gives you more reliable results for your calculations.

Measuring Waves in Solids

Measuring waves in solids is where things get properly interesting - you're creating standing waves that stay perfectly still! Set up a string attached to a vibration generator with a 200g mass pulling it tight through a pulley system. The wooden bridge is crucial here - adjust it until you see clear stationary wave patterns.

Standing waves create loops that don't move along the string, making them much easier to measure than travelling waves. Measure as many half-wavelengths (the loops) as possible, then divide by the number you counted. Remember to double this result because you've measured half-wavelengths, not full ones!

The frequency is simply whatever frequency your power supply is set to - no counting required here. Again, use wave speed = frequency × wavelength to find how fast the waves would travel along your string.

Remember: In standing waves, the loops you see are half-wavelengths, so always double your measurement to get the actual wavelength for your calculations.

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Dec 24, 2025

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2 pages

Exploring Wave Speed using Practical Experiments

Inyiego Coheh

@yumify

Ever wondered how scientists measure the invisible waves all around us? From ripples in water to vibrations in strings, there are clever ways to capture and measure wave properties that you can actually try yourself.

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Measuring Waves

Top Tip: Always measure multiple waves rather than just one - it reduces errors and gives you more reliable results for your calculations.

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Measuring Waves in Solids

Remember: In standing waves, the loops you see are half-wavelengths, so always double your measurement to get the actual wavelength for your calculations.