Water Waves

Question 1

What type of waves are water waves?

Answer 1

1. Transverse

2. Mechanical

Question 2

What equation do we use to measure the speed of water waves?

Answer 2

Wave speed (V) = Frequency (f) x Wavelength (λ)

where:

• wave speed and wavelength are measured in cm

Question 3

What do we use to find the wavelength of water waves?

Answer 3

A ripple tank

Question 4

Outline the process of using a ripple tank.

Answer 4

1. Motor powers oscillating paddle, which moves up and down on surface of shallow pool of water, creating waves
2. Illuminating light projects image of waves onto viewing screen.
3. Dark straight lines (wavefronts) represent crests of water waves
4. Measure mean wavelength by measuring distance across multiple wavefronts

Question 5

Why do we measure across multiple wavelengths?

Answer 5

1. Lots of wavelengths = more accurate

2. Multiple readings = more reliable

Question 6

Finish the sentence:

“The deeper the water…”

Answer 6

The faster the waves travel