Answer:
The distance between two adjacent wave crests (the wavelength) is measured using a ruler or caliper.
The time it takes for one full wave to pass a certain point (the period) is measured using a stopwatch.
Once these measurements have been taken, the speed of the water waves can be calculated using the wave speed equation:
Speed = Wavelength ÷ Period
The wavelength is measured in meters (m) and the period is measured in seconds (s). The resulting speed is in meters per second (m/s).
To conduct the experiment, the student sets up the ripple tank and generates water waves using a wave generator. The distance between two adjacent wave crests is measured using a ruler or caliper. The student then uses a stopwatch to measure the time it takes for one full wave to pass a certain point. This is repeated several times to ensure accuracy.
Once these measurements have been taken, the student can calculate the speed of the water waves using the wave speed equation. By dividing the wavelength by the period, the speed of the water waves can be determined.
The wave speed equation can also be rearranged to calculate either the wavelength or the period, depending on which measurements are available. This allows the student to check their results and ensure accuracy.
Overall, the ripple tank experiment provides a simple and accurate way to measure the speed of water waves and demonstrate the wave speed equation in action.
Step-by-step explanation: