4.Main Content
Waves
Introduction
Waves come in many forms. There are mechanical waves, such as water waves, sound waves and earthquake waves. There are also electromagnetic waves, such as radio, television, microwaves, visible light, and X-rays. These are widely used in modern life so it is important that young people learn about them.
All waves have properties in common. To discover what these properties are and to learn to visualize them, students can investigate ripples on the surface of the water in a ripple tank. There are many possible experiments and activities, most of which can be done by students.
We begin here with collections of experiments that introduce basic apparatus and procedures. Later collections assume relevant prior knowledge.
Experiment collections
- Variety of waves
- Basic experiments with ripple tanks
- Stroboscope
- Measuring waves in a ripple tank
- Ripples crossing: interference
- Diffraction in a ripple tank
- Refraction
- Reflection and refraction of particles
- Young's slits
- Other interference effects
- Diffraction of light
- Standing waves
Guidance
- Using ripple tanks
- Classroom management in semi-darkness
- Why experiment with waves?
- Light – waves or particles?
Updated 20 May 2010
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