Lab Analysis | Open Textbooks

Learn

In this lesson, you will analyze laboratory data from wave experiments. You will learn to interpret wave diagrams, analyze resonance data, and draw conclusions from experiments involving light and sound.

Key Skills for Wave Lab Analysis

Reading and interpreting wave diagrams
Measuring amplitude, wavelength, and frequency from graphs
Analyzing standing wave patterns
Interpreting spectral data
Calculating wave properties from experimental data

Examples

Work through these examples to see the concepts in action.

Example 1: Reading a Wave Diagram

A wave diagram shows crests at 0 m, 4 m, and 8 m. The amplitude is 2 cm.

Analysis: Wavelength = distance between crests = 4 m. Amplitude = 2 cm (measured from equilibrium to crest).

Example 2: Resonance Tube Data

A tuning fork (512 Hz) resonates with an air column at lengths 16.5 cm and 49.5 cm.

Analysis: The difference (33 cm) represents half a wavelength. Full wavelength = 66 cm = 0.66 m. Speed = f × λ = 512 × 0.66 = 338 m/s.

✏️ Practice

Test your understanding with these practice questions.

Practice Questions

0/3 correct

Question 1

What is the scientific method's first step?

A Conduct experiment

B Make a hypothesis

C Ask a question

D Draw conclusions

Explanation: The scientific method begins with asking a question about something you observe.

Question 2

A hypothesis is:

A A proven fact

B A testable prediction

C The final answer

D An observation

Explanation: A hypothesis is an educated guess or testable prediction that can be investigated.

Question 3

Which is a property of matter?

A Color

B Speed

C Direction

D Time

Explanation: Properties of matter include color, mass, volume, density, and texture.

Check Your Understanding

Test yourself with these 10 quiz questions.

Question 1: How do you determine wavelength from a wave diagram?

Answer: Measure the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase (e.g., crest to crest or trough to trough).

Question 2: What is amplitude and how is it measured?

Answer: Amplitude is the maximum displacement from equilibrium. It's measured from the rest position to either the crest or trough.

Question 3: A wave completes 20 cycles in 4 seconds. What is its frequency?

Answer: Frequency = cycles/time = 20/4 = 5 Hz

Question 4: What causes a standing wave to form?

Answer: Standing waves form when two waves of the same frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and interfere.

Question 5: In a standing wave, what are nodes?

Answer: Nodes are points of zero displacement that remain stationary due to complete destructive interference.

Question 6: How does changing tension in a string affect wave speed?

Answer: Increasing tension increases wave speed. Wave speed is proportional to the square root of tension.

Question 7: What does a spectroscope reveal about white light?

Answer: A spectroscope separates white light into its component colors (the visible spectrum: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet).

Question 8: Why might experimental wave speed differ from theoretical speed?

Answer: Temperature, humidity, measurement errors, imprecise equipment, or medium impurities can cause differences.

Question 9: A string vibrates in its third harmonic. How many antinodes are present?

Answer: Three antinodes are present. The nth harmonic has n antinodes.

Question 10: What pattern would you expect when measuring sound intensity vs. distance from source?

Answer: Intensity decreases with the square of the distance (inverse square law). Doubling distance reduces intensity to 1/4.

Next Steps

Review any concepts that felt challenging
Move on to the Claim-Evidence Writing lesson
Return to practice problems periodically for review