Waves.Aim To find out whether drop height, depth or both affect the speed of a wave.

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Science Coursework

Waves

An introduction to waves

Mechanical Waves are waves, which propagate through a material medium (solid, liquid, or gas) at a wave speed, which depends on the elastic and inertial properties of that medium. There are two basic types of wave motion for mechanical waves: longitudinal waves and transverse waves.

In a longitudinal wave the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. The particles simply oscillate back and forth about their individual equilibrium positions.

In a transverse wave the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. The particles do not move along with the wave; they simply oscillate up and down about their individual equilibrium positions as the wave passes by.

Stacey Owen

Candidate no: 0126

Hampton Community College

Water waves are an example of waves that involve a combination of both longitudinal and transverse motions. As a wave travels through the waver, the particles travel in clockwise circles. The radius of the circles decreases as the depth into the water increases.

 

If the radius of the circles decreases, this means that the wavelength of the wave increases. If the wavelength increases, the speed of the wave therefore increases.  

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The speed of the wave is directly proportional to the wavelength.  

Aim

To find out whether drop height, depth or both affect the speed of a wave.

Method

The first thing I will do is to collect my equipment. The equipment I will be using is:

  1. Tray                          4.    Ruler
  2. Water                        5.    Clamp stand
  3. Stop clock

Stacey Owen

Candidate ...

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