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3B50.10-Ripple Tank

3b5010ripple_tank1 3b5010ripple_tank2 3b5010ripple_tank3

Description: This apparatus is used to show various aspects of water waves.
A point source, double point source, or plane wave can be setup. Various objects can be added to show how waves behave (diffraction, refraction, etc).

Equipment:

  • Ripple Tank
  • Point source
  • Small DC power supply
  • Box of various objects (plane wave maker, walls, etc)
  • Carton filled with water
  • 2 Banana plug cables
  • Lecture Prep table with 4 holes for ripple tank feet.

Setup Procedure:

  1. Clean the mirror and glass.
  2. Place the ripple tank on the table and insert the 4 feet into the holes.
  3. Place the point source to one end of the tank. Configure it for a single point source unless the professor requested otherwise.
    Connect it to a small DC power supply.
  4. Include the various objects that go with it.
  5. Fill the carton with water.
  6. Before moving this apparatus, make sure the overhead lamp is low enough to clear all doors (common mistake!).
    The apparatus is adjusted by ONLY loosening the top screw. Do not fully remove the screw, only a slight turn is needed for the lamp to move. Re tighten the top screw.
  7. When in the classroom, fill the tank with water. Make sure the rubber stopper is in the hole fully.
  8. Adjust the point source to a good height to make the best wave pattern.
  9. Raise the lamp. This apparatus is adjusted by ONLY loosening the top screw. Do not fully remove the screw, only a slight turn is needed for the lamp to move. Re tighten the top screw.
  10. When removing the apparatus from the room, remove the water if time permits. If this is not possible, push the cart in as careful as possible.
  11. Lower the lamp prior to moving it. This apparatus is adjusted by ONLY loosening the top screw. Do not fully remove the screw, only a slight turn is needed for the lamp to move. Re tighten the top screw.
  12. Fully drain the water and wipe up any excess.

Demonstration Procedure:

  1. You may select either a point source, double point source, or plane wave.
  2. To switch between source types, you may rotate one of the source rods to either move it in the water or move it out of the water.
  3. To switch to a plane wave, remove the ball and rod and replace it with the plane wave attachment (long metal plate on a rod).
  4. You may show interference with the double point source.
  5. You may add various objects into the water to show how the waves respond.
    The most popular setups are the single slit diffraction and double slit diffraction
  6. You may place a wall in the water with a plane wave. Note that the water refracts around the wall.

Note: This apparatus is raised and lowered by ONLY loosening the top screw.
Do not fully remove the screw, only a slight turn is needed for the lamp to move. Re tighten the top screw.