The fundamental properties of waves are identical, whether we are talking about water waves, sound waves or electromagnetic waves such as light. So the ripple tank provides a good introduction to all types of wave propagation and interference.

The wave generator moves either synchronous with flashes from the stroboscope unit, which appears to freeze the wave motion – or with a small frequency shift, which makes the wave pattern move as if in slow motion. The wave patterns can be observed on the table top, on the supplied frosted glass plate or projected onto the wall.

Typical ripple tank applications:

• Reflection and refraction. By using the linear dipper bar plane parallel waves can be produced. Reflection and refraction of waves can be demonstrated by using appropriate barriers in the water tank.
• Interference occurs when two point source dippers generate circular waves. The distance between the sources and their frequency can be regulated.
• The famous double slit experiment: When a plane wave encounters a barrier with two holes, these act like two point source dippers, giving rise to the same interference pattern.
• The Doppler effect

The ripple tank is shown with the mirror and projection screen in place. By removing these, the wave pattern is projected onto the table top and can be traced on a sheet of paper. The included vibrator is our rugged model PHO-RT6S

The complete ripple tank comprises the following individual parts:

• Stroboscope unit 
• Power adapter for stroboscope unit
• Crosspiece and supports, i.e. mount and posts for stroboscope
• Electromagnetic vibrator
• Lever arm for vibrator
• Lever arm support
• Rod with cross bar
• Height adjustment
  
• Accessories in box
  Comprising
• Connection cable
• Remote Control and cable
• Bottle containing surfactant
• Plane mirror
• Projection screen
• Height-adjustable legs
• Cross piece – front legs
• Ripple tank
• Lenses / prism
• Wave dipper, parallel

The entire ripple tank set is supplied in a fibre box segmented for storing the components and with complete user instructions.

Packing Size (approx): 300 x 300 x 300mm  

Weight: 10kg