Required Practical: Waves in a Ripple Tank and on a String

This lesson covers the AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy (8464) Required Practical on measuring the speed, frequency and wavelength of waves in a ripple tank and waves on a vibrating string. This is one of the required practicals you must know for the exam — you may be asked to describe the method, identify variables, explain how to improve accuracy, or analyse data.

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Overview

AQA requires you to investigate waves using two set-ups:

1. Ripple tank — measuring the speed and wavelength of water waves.
2. Vibrating string — measuring the frequency and wavelength of standing waves on a string.

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Part 1 — Waves in a Ripple Tank

Equipment