CREATING+WAVE+DIAGRAMS+ACTIVITY

Back to HOME > IGCSE PHYSICS > WAVES > PROPERTIES OF WAVES = CREATING WAVE DIAGRAMS = ** Below is an example from Word, but you can do this with any program and method which suits you (Excel, Keynote etc etc.
 * A) DISPLACEMENT-DISTANCE GRAPH
 * 1) Open the Waves on a String simulation.
 * 2) Create a wave with Tension = high; Damping = zero; 'No end'; 'Oscillate'.
 * 3) Take a screenshot and paste it into your notes.
 * 4) Use two-ended arrows to label two different positions on the wave indicating Amplitude and Wavelength.
 * 5) Add two axes for Displacement (vertical axis) and Distance (horizontal axis).


 * B) DISPLACEMENT-TIME GRAPH **
 * 1) Use the previous settings, but change the amplitude to 100. Keep frequency = 50
 * 2) Place a vertical ruler as shown so that displacements of the green ball above and below the dotted line can be measured. (Make sure you always measure the position of the same point on the ball each time.)
 * 3) Set the timer to zero and then step the wave through one full oscillation.
 * 4) Record displacement/ cm against time/ s in a spreadsheet.
 * 5) Plot the displacement-time graph for the green ball.
 * 6) Label the graph with Time Period and Amplitude (see example below).
 * Displacement/ cm || Time/ s ||
 * 24.8 || 0.00 ||