Question 1: Define a ripple tank and explain its purpose in demonstrating wave properties.

Answer: A ripple tank is a shallow glass tank filled with water used to visualize and study wave behavior, such as reflection, refraction, and interference.

Question 2: Describe how waves are generated in a ripple tank.

Answer: Waves in a ripple tank are generated by a vibrating source such as a motor or a vibrating strip that disturbs the water surface, creating ripples.

Question 3: What is the typical range of wavelengths observed in ripple tank experiments?

Answer: Wavelengths in ripple tanks typically range from a few millimeters to several centimeters.

Question 4: Multiple Choice: Which of the following factors most directly affects the speed of waves in a ripple tank?

Answer: Water depth

Question 5: Fill in the blank: When waves in a ripple tank interfere constructively, they ________, resulting in larger wave amplitudes.

Answer: amplify

Question 6: Explain the principle of superposition as it relates to wave interference in ripple tanks.

Answer: The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves meet at a point, the resulting wave displacement is the sum of the displacements of the individual waves. In ripple tanks, this explains how waves interfere constructively or destructively to produce various interference patterns.

Question 7: Calculate the wave speed in a ripple tank if the wavelength is 4 cm and the wave period is 0.2 seconds.

Answer: Wave speed = wavelength / period = 4 cm / 0.2 s = 20 cm/s

Question 8: Identify three variables that can affect the wavelength and speed of waves in a ripple tank experiment.

Answer: Water depth, frequency of vibration, and tension of the vibrating source.

Question 9: Describe two safety precautions students should observe during ripple tank experiments.

Answer: Avoid spilling water on electrical equipment, and handle the vibrating source carefully to prevent injury or damage.

Question 10: Discuss how ripple tanks are used in the industry or technology today. Give one example.

Answer: Ripple tanks are used in designing and testing wave-based systems such as sonar and medical ultrasound devices, where understanding wave behavior helps improve technology performance.