Waves Station Lab
Name____________________________
Standard Addressed:
8-6: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the properties and
behaviors of waves.
Performance Indicators Addressed:
8-6.1: Recall that waves transmit energy but not matter.
8-6.3: Summarize factors that influence the basic properties of waves (including
frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and speed).
Station 1:
Adjust the frequency knob on the generator until you create 2 “bubbles” in the
string. (NOTE!! If you do not know how to use the equipment, then ask for help)
What is the medium (or material) that the wave propagates (moves) through?
Refer to the diagram below for questions 2 and 3.
How many wavelengths are present when 2 “bubbles” are visable?
Adjust the frequency knob on the generator until 5 “bubbles” are present.
How many wavelengths are present when 5 bubbles are visable?
What happens to the size of the bubbles when you increase the frequency? Explain
why you think this happens.
Station 2
With one end of the spring attached to something solid, extend the spring
across the room. Once it has settled (stopped moving), generate a transverse wave
by using a finger to make a quick pull and release in a vertical orientation. Try this
several times; observing the reflection of the wave after it reaches the fixed end of
the spring.
When the spring has settled again, generate a longitudinal wave by pulling a
few coils towards yourself and the releasing them. A compression/rarefaction
combination will travel along the spring, and may reflect if the initial wave is strong
enough. Repeat this several times.
What is the medium (or material) that the waves propagated (moved) through?
Is there a difference in wave speed for transverse and longitudinal waves? Which is
faster?
Draw a picture showing the difference between a transverse and a longitudinal wave.
Earthquakes generate 2 types of waves: P-waves and S-waves. If you were located a long
way away from the epicenter (or place of origin) of an earthquake, which type of wave
would you feel first? Using what you learned about the speed of transverse and
longitudinal waves, explain your answer to the first half of this question.
Station 3
Watch the video on the computer and answer the questions below.
Station 4
Using your hand, make the water in the tank move (NOTE!! No water
should be splashed on the floor). Wait until the movement of the water is uniform,
and drop the floats into the tank. Observe what happens through the side of the
tank.
What is the medium (or material) that the waves propagate (move) through?
What movement did the float undergo (e.g. horizontal, vertical)? Draw a picture.
Imagine that the float is a boat in the ocean. Are the waves responsible for the boat
moving horizontally? Why or why not? What do you think is responsible?
Try to simulate the force responsible on the float.
Station 5
Turn on the light and wait about 1 minute (NOTE!! Do not touch the light
bulb). Place your hand about 6 inches away from the light bulb.
Describe the sensation you are feeling.
What do you think is causing this sensation?
Do you think that the sensation is from waves? Why or why not?
You are feeling electromagnetic radiation (a type of wave) that is given off from the
light bulb. This is similar to the heat given off from the sun.
With this knowledge, do you think that these waves need a medium (or material (e.g.
water, air, etc.)) in order to propagate (or move). Explain why or why not.