Difference between revisions of "GCSE Physics Required Practical: Investigating 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 [[ | + | | 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]]. |
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: Set up the equipment as shown in the [[diagram]]. | : Set up the equipment as shown in the [[diagram]]. | ||
| − | # | + | #Adjust the [[frequency]] of the [[oscillator]] until it produces a clear [[wave]] on the string. |
| − | + | #Record the [[frequency]] of the [[oscillator]]. | |
| − | #[[Measure]] the | + | #[[Measure]] the [[wavelength]] of the [[wave]] using a [[ruler]]. |
| − | + | #Use the equation <math>v=f \lambda</math> to find the [[Wave Speed|wavespeed]] of the [[wave]]. | |
| − | #Use the equation <math>v=\ | + | #Repeat for different 5 [[frequency|frequencies]] of the [[wave]]. |
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====Improving [[Accuracy]]==== | ====Improving [[Accuracy]]==== | ||
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====Improving [[Precision]]==== | ====Improving [[Precision]]==== | ||
| − | : | + | : Calculate an [[Mean Average|average]] for the [[Wave Speed|wave speed]] over a greater number of [[results]] to give a more [[precise]] number by reducing the [[uncertainty]]. |
Revision as of 11:13, 20 March 2019
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.
- Count the number of waves that pass a given point over 10 seconds.
- Divide the number of waves by the 10 seconds to find the frequency of the waves.
- Measure the length of the 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 \(v=\frac{s}{t}\) to find the velocity of the wave.
- 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.
- Adjust the frequency of the oscillator until it produces a clear wave on the string.
- Record the frequency of the oscillator.
- Measure the wavelength of the wave using a ruler.
- Use the equation \(v=f \lambda\) to find the wavespeed of the wave.
- 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 by reducing the uncertainty.