The Ripple Tank

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In this optics activity, learners create a ripple tank from household materials to study waves. Learners build the tank and then explore by making various types of waves. The ripple tank can be used to demonstrate two unusual light phenomena: interference and diffraction. This resource also has links to two articles with relevant background information about light, color, and interference.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Books (to act as props that elevate the tank)
  • A 10" x 15" x 2" clear glass baking dish
  • Water
  • A white countertop or a piece of white paper
  • A flashlight
  • Aluminum foil
  • A pencil
  • An eyedropper or a straw
  • A pencil, dowel, or other long, narrow cylindrical object that can get wet
  • A ruler

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Vision
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Wave Properties
      • Wave Motion
      • Diffraction and Interference
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Optical Society of America, 2008