Ripple Lab
Use the Ripple Wave Tank Simulation at http://www.falstad.com/ripple/.
Part 1 – Wave Observations. Sketch, record & answer in our lab book.
(1) Straight waves reflect off a straight barrier
Measure:
• Angle of incidence (see diagram)
• Angle of reflection (see diagram)
Compare & conclude
(2) Straight waves reflect off a parabolic barrier
• Find where the waves converge (focal point)
• Stop the waves
• Start circular waves at the focal point
• How do they come out?
(3) Circular waves reflect off a straight barrier
• Stop the waves.
• Extend the reflected portions into whole circles.
• Where is the center of the reflected waves?
(4) Diffraction
• Send straight waves through a narrow opening
• Measure the angle of diffraction
• How does the angle change when you increase the
width of the opening?
• How does the angle change when you increase the
frequency?
(5) Refraction
• Send waves from deep to shallow water.
• What happens to the wavelength?
• What happens to the angle?
Part 2 – Two-Source Interference . Normal lab book format.
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Set up a 2-source interference pattern.
Measure the angle from the center line to the first anti-nodal line.
Keep the wavelength constant (by keeping the frequency constant). Record the angle for 5 different source
separations.
Keep the source separation constant. Record the angle for 5 different wavelengths.