Difference between revisions of "GCSE Physics Required Practical: Investigating Mechanical Waves"
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#Use the equation <math>v=f \lambda</math> to find the [[Wave Speed|wavespeed]] of the [[wave]]. | #Use the equation <math>v=f \lambda</math> to find the [[Wave Speed|wavespeed]] of the [[wave]]. | ||
#Repeat for different 5 [[frequency|frequencies]] of the [[wave]]. | #Repeat for different 5 [[frequency|frequencies]] of the [[wave]]. | ||
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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 | + | : Calculate an [[Mean Average|average]] for the [[Wave Speed|wave speed]] over a greater number of [[results]] to reduce the effect of [[Random Error|random error]]s, improving the [[precision]]. |
Revision as of 11:17, 20 March 2019
Contents
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Investigate the features of mechanical waves.
Experiment 1: Ripple Tank
Method
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| 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 Precision
- Calculate an average for the wave speed over a greater number of results to reduce the effect of random errors, improving the precision.