South Eastern Pennsylvania Science Project
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| WaveTank |
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Instructions |
This site has been constructed based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0230587.
Purpose
| To measure the "refractive index" in a wave tank and observe reflected waves. |
Refraction Procedure:
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1. Adjust the angle of the incoming wave using the slider 2. Press the "top view" button. 3. Record the angle of the incoming wave and the angle of the wave in the shallow portion. Compute the ratio of the sines of the angles. It may be useful to check the "Show crests" check box. 4. Repeat step 3 for several angles. |
| Sometimes it is difficult to see the incoming and outgoing wave fronts because the heights of both waves add and create unusual shapes. The reflection wave tank allows you to look at both waves separately and together. |
Reflection Procedure:
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1. Set the incoming wave at any angle. 2. Check the "Show Incoming" check box and remove the check from the "Show reflection" check box. You can see one wave approaching you. 3. Check the "Show reflection". The wave tank surface is what really appears in water. 4. Remove the check from "Show incoming" to more easily see the reflected wave. |