Ripple Tank

Ripple Tank

Ripple Tank
Experiment topics:
• Generation of circular and straight waves
• Reflection
• Refraction
• Interference
• Diffraction
• Doppler effect

Equipment set for demonstrating or investigating the basic properties of waves using waves in water.
The ripple tank consists of a shallow basin with a glass bottom inside an aluminium frame. A halogen lamp operated via a stroboscope illuminates the tank from above.
Underneath the tank is a diagonally aligned mirror that is used to project the waves onto a frosted glass screen.
Waves in the water are produced via the oscillation of an electromagnetic vibrator, to which dippers for straight waves or up to three dippers for making concentric waves can be attached. A control unit sets the amplitude and frequency of the vibrations and the frequency of the stroboscope either synchronously or asynchronously. 4-mm safety sockets are provided for connecting a counter/timer in order to measure the frequency of the vibrations.
Frequency range: Continuously adjustable
Supply voltage: 9 – 12 V DC
Connectors: 4-mm safety sockets
Lamp: Halogen lamp 12 V / 35 W, GY6.35
Dimensions of tank: approx. 295x395x10 mm³
Dimensions of frame: approx. 340x440x345 mm³

Contents:
1 Ripple tank with projection mirror; lamp and stroboscope
1 Control unit
1 Vibrator
1 Dipper for straight waves
3 Dippers for concentric circular waves
1 Holder for circular wave dippers
3 Bodies that can be laid in the tank to demonstrate reflection and diffraction (prism, bi-concave and bi-convex lenses)
1 Obstruction with a wide gap and four separate small gaps
2 Narrow doors
2 Wide doors
1 Drainage tube