Score = ______/ 20 points
Name __________________________ Period _______
Lab – Virtual Wave Behavior
For this lab we will use 2 different websites that have Java based applets which will allow you to
see the five different wave behaviors we described in class: Reflection, Refraction, Diffraction,
Constructive Interference and Destructive Interference. The two websites are found on our main class
page and correspond to the two parts of the lab below.
Part 1 – Wave Interaction Applet (http://www.eserc.stonybrook.edu/ProjectJava/WaveInteractionApplet/)
In this applet, there are 3 green waves that you can manipulate then add together to create the
blue “sum” wave, which shows the interactions of all the waves above it. Answer the following questions
about the applet and some of the scenarios in the lab:
1) Describe what happens to a specific wave when you change the “phase” of the wave? (1 pt)
2) For the following chart, set all of the variables for wave 3 to zero, then enter the values shown below
for both waves 1 and 2 then draw a sketch of the wave in the final box. Make sure to hit the “start” button
and watch the wave for a few seconds then draw your sketch of the “sum” wave! (1 pt each)
Trial
1
2
3
Wave 1
Wave 2
λ = 40
Amplitude = 40
Phase = 0
Velocity 1 = 5
λ = 40
Amplitude = 40
Phase = 0
Velocity 1 = 5
λ = 40
Amplitude = 40
Phase = 0
Velocity 1 = 5
λ = 40
Amplitude = 40
Phase = 180
Velocity 1 = 5
λ = 40
Amplitude = 20
Phase = 0
Velocity 1 = 5
λ = 48
Amplitude = 20
Phase = 0
Velocity 1 = 5
Drawing of “Sum” Wave
3) What type or types of wave behaviors are occurring in each of the trials above when the “sum” wave is
created? (1 pt each)
Trial 1 -
Trial 2 -
Trial 3
4) Set up a wave with the following parameters then describe (using wave behaviors!) what is occurring to
the “sum” wave. (2 pts)
Wave 1
λ = 40
Amplitude = 40
Phase = 0
Velocity 1 = 5
Wave 2
λ = 40
Amplitude = 40
Phase = 0
Velocity 1 = 10
Part 2 – 3D Ripple Tank Generator (http://www.falstad.com/ripple/)
This lab uses the 2D/3D ripple tank generator that was shown in class to visualize different wave
behaviors. Make sure you follow the setup directions then answer each question below. For the first set of
questions make sure you have selected “Setup: Plane Wave” from the first drop-down menu box.
1) Describe what happens to the waves when you change the source frequency. (1 pt)
2) Describe what happens to the waves when you change the simulation speed. (1 pt)
For the following question, choose “Setup: Refraction” from the first drop-down menu box.
3) In the space below, draw a sketch of what happens to one wave as it travels through the scenario, then
answer the follow-up questions on the right: (1 pt drawing)
Why does refraction occur? (1 pt)
What other wave behavior is occurring, and
how can you tell? (2 pts)
For the following question, choose “Setup: Two Sources” from the first drop-down menu box.
4) In the space below, draw a sketch of what happens to all the waves as they travel through the
scenario, then answer the follow-up questions on the right: (1 pt drawing)
What two wave behaviors are occurring, and
where are they occurring? (2 pts)
When the source frequency is changed,
describe what happens? (2 pts)