Ripple Tanks

An overhead projector type ripple tank for demonstration of various wave phenomena, including reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference. The unit comprises a shallow 40 x 40 cm tank with a scratch-resistant acrylic window on the bottom, supported by four adjustable legs. Two arms on the side hold an eccentric motor and bar assembly, onto which either two point dippers, or a plane-wave dipper can be attached. The motor and bar assembly is suspended by springs so the vibration is not transmitted to the tank. A bright point light source is held overhead, which shines down through the water in the tank, and casts a shadow of the waves on the bench below. The following accessories are included: Concave, convex, rectangular Perspex plates; curved reflector; two large one small barriers; two point dippers; hand stroboscope; banana leads; instructions. The motor requires continuously variable 0-5 V DC power supply, and the lamp requires 12 V AC supply. Alternatively, the ripple tank can be driven by the SO180324 ripple tank LED driver.

This driver and LED lamp is designed for the classic overhead projection type ripple tank. It features variable DC output for the motor, and another output for the LED. Electronics in the unit measure the oscillation of the unbalanced motor to calculate the frequency of the waves it generates, and can therefore modulate the LED to freeze or slow down the waves without the need of stroboscope. The LED can be set to: • ON where it is on constantly • FREEZE where the frequency matches the waves • CUSTOM the strobe frequency is controlled independently, allowing the waves to appear to move slowly or even in reverse! Compatible with ripple tanks SO58320, SO180320, and most similar ripple tanks from other suppliers. An exclusive product developed by Timstar in partnership with IPC Electronics, designed and manufactured in the UK.

To demonstrate form and propagation of longitudinal and transverse waves. This simple wave demonstrator rotates a set of cams that raise and lower 24 vertical rods with plastic highlighted tips for easy viewing. It is 480 mm long, strong, and almost silent in operation. Lubrication is not required and students can see from both sides. Eight of the rods are turned at 90 degrees to simulate transverse wave motion. The handle is fitted with a circular scale marked in degrees of rotation.

This compact unit from Lascells provides an elegant method of demonstrating the wave phenomena of reflection, diffraction, refraction and interference with none of the setting-up problems usually associated with ripple tanks. The concept has been further developed to offer new features and simplicity in this MkIII design. The unit is completely self-contained with the translucent viewing screen hinging away to reveal a 12cm water tank. The tank is removable for ease of use and has an integral multi-faceted beach which virtually eliminates unwanted reflections. Illumination is from a high intensity built-in LED which can be automatically strobed in sync with the waves to give perfectly stationary images, or switched to allow the user independent control of the wave and strobe frequencies giving the impression of wave motion across the viewing screen. The unit is supplied with three robust dippers which can be easily adjusted to suit the depth of water being used. A selection of barriers shapes and lenses are also provided to enable reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference along with the focussing properties of lenses to be demonstrated. All of the accessories can be stored neatly inside the unit when not in use.