Purpose: To demonstrate two dimentional wave phenomenon.

The ripple tank consists of a shallow tray of water with a overhead light source to illuminate the ripples in the water.

Demonstrate parallel wave fronts and their reflection on a variety of different shaped surfaces.

Demonstrate the refraction of waves when the parallel wave fronts change wave speed when the water depth is changed.

Demonstrate parallel wave fronts as they defraction around a barier.

Demonstrate the interference of the wave produced by two point sources.

The light source can be strobed so that the wave are made to look as if they are stationary.

References:

Manual: None