Waves Labs

For the labs and activities in the Waves unit of Physical Science 20, I do a number of things:

1)  Transverse & Longitudinal Waves Lab
- to study the transmission of these waves in a slinky
- to learn about fixed end and free end reflection

2) More Wave Properties
- to study and observe interference, periodic waves, refraction, and standing waves in a slinky
- to measure time and distance in order to determine frequency, period, wavelength and speed of standing waves

3)  Images in a Concave Mirror Lab
- using an optical bench
- to learn how to find the focal point of a concave mirror
- to determine the patterns of image characteristics as an object approaches a concave mirror
- to introduce the mirror equation to students

4) Refraction of Light Lab
- using ray boxes and semi-circular blocks
- to observe refraction as light passes from air into a glass block and vice versa
- to determine Snell's Law