Waves Investigation [Using water]

[Acidvoodoo]

hi

in my physics class right now we've been told we're going to be to doing an experiment where we put a variable amount of water into a tray, hold one side up, and drop it from a variable height, thus, when it hits the table, the water will move and waves will ocsillate back and fourth. We've been told to time from when the wave is first seen to when it disspates. Also we're recording how many times this wave has gone competely back and fourth.

so I've chosen to vary the amount of water [depth], so will record the depth, time, and number of ocsilations, and keep the height it's dropped from constant. I'm currently writing my plan and am on the part about relevant theory. Thing is, I'm not sure s of yet what my results will show, and what relevence these pieces of data have to each other. Only equations which come to mind is

speed of wave=wavelength x freq.
and s=ut

but am unsure of what use this is to my experiment, as i will be drawing graphs and stuff so i guess proportion will come into it


any ideas?

 

[modmans2ndcoming]

until you do the experiment, you can't be sure

you have to define a hypothosis. you might be right or wrong, that is what the experiment will show.

 

[M98Ranger]

Hi there! It sounds like you have a great experiment planned. The equations you mentioned are definitely relevant to your investigation. The speed of a wave is determined by its wavelength and frequency, so by varying the depth of water and measuring the time and number of oscillations, you will be able to calculate the speed of the wave. This will give you a better understanding of how the depth of water affects the speed of the wave. Additionally, by keeping the height of the drop constant, you are keeping the initial velocity of the wave consistent in each trial, which will also help you analyze the data and draw conclusions.

As for the relevance of the data, the relationship between the depth of water and the number of oscillations will show how the depth affects the amplitude of the wave. The time it takes for the wave to dissipate will also give you an idea of how the depth affects the damping of the wave. Overall, your results will help you better understand the behavior of waves in water and how different factors, like depth, can affect them. I hope this helps and good luck with your experiment!