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Physics Assessment 1 - Lab Report: Jessica Yam Year 10 Peace MR - Slosberg
Physics Assessment 1 - Lab Report: Jessica Yam Year 10 Peace MR - Slosberg
Jessica Yam
Year 10 Peace
Mr.Slosberg
Experiment to investigate the effect of depth of water (m) on the velocity (m/s) of the
wave
1
LABORATORY REPORT MYP 5
How does the depth of water affect the velocity of the wave?
In science and mathematics, velocity is a vector quantity, which expresses both magnitude
and direction. Speed is a scalar quality showing magnitude only. As all the waves in this
experiment propagate in the same direction, it is logical to consider that direction as the
positive side.
The aim of this experiment is to investigate how the velocity of the water wave would be
affected when the water depth is varied, through dropping a marble to a tray of water at fixed
height.
The velocity of the wave will be measured by a computer application called Logger Pro. This
will be done by filming the water surface of each trial. When the marble is dropped to the
tray of water, ripples (water wave) is produced. A point of a ripple is picked randomly and it
is followed by the Logger Pro through plotting its location at different time intervals. The data
will then be plotted on a graph, with y-axis as the distance travelled by the water wave and
the x-axis as the time taken.
()
Mathematically, velocity =
()
Alternatively, the slope of the line of best fit generated by Logger Pro can also determine the
velocity.
(2 1 )
Slope =
(2 1 )
Aided by Logger Pro in finding out the changes in wave velocity corresponding to changes in
water depth, it will be able to determine whether water with deeper depth will generate
faster waves than shallow water.
1Russell, Daniel A. "What Is a Wave?" Acoustics and Vibration Animations. N.p., 18 Feb. 2015. Web. 23 Sept. 2016.
<http://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/Demos/waves-intro/waves-intro.html>.
2
Keith Stowe author of Exploring Ocean Science has once conducted a research to explore
the relationship between water depth and velocity, and proved a positive correlation
between the depth and velocity of water.
If the result of my investigation proves that waves are slower in shallow water and vice versa,
one would be able to apply the finding in maritime science. A case in point is maritime
scientist will be able to confidently predict the speed and wave height of tsunami when it
travels from sea to land side. Essentially, tsunami reduces its speed as it comes closer to coast
where sea bed level and sea surface is declining. On the other hand, the change of total
energy in tsunami remains constant causing the height of wave to grow. Due to this shoaling
effect, a tsunami that was imperceptible in deep sea may grow to several feet or more in
height.
This application is extremely useful to emergency services because they can plan rescue aids
ahead and advise coast lines residents in advance to take precautionary safety measures.
Hypothesis Bii
The deeper the water, the faster the velocity of wave and vice versa. Therefore, throwing a
marble to a tray of 0.05m deep water will generate a wave with higher speed than that of
0.01m deep water.
Water waves are composed of surface waves and volume waves. The speed of surface waves
is dependent on the surface tension and gravity. Since water is incompressible, the surface
tension would remain constant. The gravity of the Earth is also constant. Thus, surface waves
are all of the same speed. For volume waves, its speed depends on friction, medium density
and pressure. They have a higher speed in deep water as the waves experience less friction.
In shallow water, the waves are closer to the bottom of the tank and thus experience a greater
frictional drag. Relatively more energy is required to overcome this frictional force and thus
less energy is left to propagate the waves. Therefore, water waves are slower in shallow water
and faster in deep water. An example to justify my explanation will be tsunamis. As
2
Program, Tsunami. "National Weather Service - Tsunami Hazards." National Weather Service. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept.
2016. <http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/?page=tsunami_science>.
3
mentioned in the background to the investigation, tsunamis are faster (more than 100 miles
per hour) in deep water and vice versa.
4
VariablesBiii
Describe and Five different depths will be tested, namely 0.01m, 0.02m, 0.03m,
explain the 0.04m & 0.05m. 0.01m will be tested first by pouring water into a
procedure to shallow container (green water wave tray) until the depth reaches
change the 0.01m (a ruler will be placed at the side to keep track of the depth).
independent After 3 trials are done, I will pour 0.01m more of water into the tray.
variable. The experiment will be completed once I have done 3 trials for each
data point.
Unit(s) of DV m/s
5
Describe and Measurement of the distance and time with the below formula to
explain the find the velocity:
procedure to ()
velocity =
calculate the ()
derived variable. However, Logger Pro has much simplified calculation work. The
distance between the points we plotted onto the video is basically
the distance and the time is the unit of time we plot the point on.
What we need to do is to find the line of best fit and use the
below slope formula to find out the velocity because the formula
for slope equals to the formula for velocity.
(2 1 )
Slope =
(2 1 )
(2 1 )
=
(2 1 )
Controlled Procedure to control it and explain why it
variable matters to the investigation.
Describe and The height the For every trial, the marble must be dropped from
explain the marble is 11 cm above the base of the wave tray. A ruler will
procedure to dropped from. be placed at the side to keep track of that.
control other
variables in the Whenever my lab partner Kaiser Kang is about
investigation. to drop the marble, I should ensure the marble is
dropped from the exact height as the previous
trials. Furthermore, he should place the marble
near the ruler in order to ensure the marble falls
vertically into the water.
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Depth of the There will be 5 different depths (5 data points)
water tested in this experiment. Each data point will be
tested 3 times (3 trials). A ruler will be placed at
the side of the tray to ensure the depth remains
the same for the 3 trials for the same data point.
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6) Green wave tray x1
9) Scale (to measure the weight of the marble, ensure we are using the same marble for the
entire experiment) x1
Wooden ruler
Torch
Transparent ruler
Green wave/water
tray
Tap water
8
Risk Assessment Biv
2 If water is spilled onto the Keep the floor dry at all Consult the nurse from
floor, then someone might times. If someone accidently office. If the injury is
slip on it, causing injury spills water onto the floor, severe, call for
ask him/her to mop the floor ambulance for
immediately. transferring the
casualty to hospital
care.
3 Since some of us are using The torch should face down Consult lab teacher to
torch to make the waves at all times. Turn it off when see if any damage has
more visible, thus we we are not using it. been caused. If yes,
might accidentally shine a depending on the
flash light into someones severity of the damage,
eyes. The severity of the consult the nurse or
damage depends on the seek medical care
lumen of the flashlight. elsewhere.
4 Since we are bringing our Computers should be placed Immediately turn off
computers with us to the under tables or in an area, the wetted computer
laboratory, therefore it is where water cant reach it. (cut off the power
possible for someone to source) so that it wont
spill water onto it, cause an electric shock.
damaging it. Depending on the
extent of water
damage, bring the
laptop to the 7th floor
technology assistance
department as soon as
possible who can revive
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as much data as
possible. If water
spillage is light, then
just simply wipe it off
with a tissue.
Method / ProcedureBiv
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Procedure after experiment
1. Insert the trial 1 video of the 1cm data point into Logger Pro
2. Set scale (Pull 1cm based on the ruler placed at the bottom, the purpose of this step
is to acknowledge the computer the length of 1cm in real life)
3. Set origin (Press at the point where the marble lands)
4. Move the origin, such that the big yellow dot is facing upwards
5. Select a point and press on it
6. Keep pressing and follow the point until it disappears
7. Press the line of best fit icon
8. Delete the red dots (the dots that are staying on the x axis)
9. Repeat steps 1-8 for all the remaining 14 videos
Table 1: A table that shows how changing water depth (cm) affects the velocity of the wave
(cm/s)
Water depth (m) Velocity of wave (cm/s)
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
1 21.27 21.97 20.22
2 23.44 22.45 23.55
3 25.23 25.53 25.72
4 26.11 26.02 26.04
5 28.10 28.17 28.98
*Refer to appendix 1 for graphs of each trial
The above table is in centimeters (cm) as I chose to plot my graph in cm. I did this because it
is easier to ensure that I have set a correct scale on Logger Pro. (The ruler I used during my
experiment was in cm, so I can just simply pull a 1cm distance on Logger Pro with the help
of the ruler)
Processing data Ci
()
As mentioned in the background, the equation for velocity =
()
Since the unit for distance is in meters, and the unit I am currently using for distance is cm,
thus I have to convert it back to meters.
Table 2: A table that shows how changing water depth (m) affects the velocity of the wave
(m/s)
Water depth (m) Velocity of wave (m/s)
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
0.01 0.2127 0.2197 0.2022
0.02 0.2344 0.2245 0.2355
0.03 0.2523 0.2553 0.2572
0.04 0.2611 0.2602 0.2604
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0.04 0.2810 0.2817 0.2898
Qualitative observations - Ci
Senses Descriptions
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- My hand was powdery (For Kaisers
experiment, we have to use cornstarch)
Processed data- Ci
Table 3: A table that shows how changing Water depth (m) affects the average of the wave
velocity (m/s) and range of the wave velocity (m/s)
Water depth (m) Velocity of wave (m/s)
Average (m/s) Range(m/s)
Min Max
0.2127+0.2197+0.2022
0,01 = 0.2115 0.2022 0.2197
3
Graph- Ci
The graph below shows the relationship between the water depth (m) and wave velocity
(m/s)
Average velocity (m/s)
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Water depth (m)
Conclusion Cii
In conclusion, the results support my hypothesis. The wave velocity is 0.2115m/s, the lowest
when the water depth is 0.01m, which is the shallowest in the experiment. The wave velocity
rises to 0.2842m/s, the highest when the water depth is 0.05m, which is the deepest. It is
observed that the trend line is heading upwards (wave velocity increases as the water depth
increases). Thus, there is a positive correlation between the two variables.
Since the water level of 0.01m-deep water is closer to the bottom of the tray than that of
0.05m-deep water, the frictional force exerted by the bottom of the tray to the wave
produced in the 0.01m-deep water would be greater. Some energy is used to overcome the
frictional force and therefore less energy is left to transport the waves. Since the height where
the marble is released is the same, so the amount of energy supplied for each trial is also the
same. If more energy is used to overcome the frictional force, then less energy would remain
to move the waves and thus the wave would be slower.
Secondly, I have compared my results with one of my classmates Noel, who has done a
similar experiment. Same as my hypothesis, her conclusion also stated that the higher the
water depth, the faster the wave velocity, vice versa. Furthermore, below is a table of her
results, which are quite similar as mine (Please refer to table 3 for a full copy of my results).
Table 4: Noels table that shows how changing Water depth (cm) affects the average of the
wave velocity (cm/s) and range of the wave velocity (m/s)
Depth of Water Velocity of the Wave (m/s) Derived Variable
(m)
independent Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average velocity
variable
0.01m 0.2986 m/s 0.3100 m/s 0.2853 m/s 0.2980 m/s
(corr. 4 d.p)
0.02m 0.3561 m/s 0.3184 m/s 0.3180 m/s 0.3308 m/s
corr. 4 d.p)
0.03m 0.3897 m/s 0.3207 m/s 0.3651 m/s 0.3585 m/s
(corr. 4 d.p)
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0.04m 0.3618 m/s 0.3929 m/s 0.3578 m/s 0.3708 m/s
(corr. 4 d.p)
0.05m 0.3935 m/s 0.4242 m/s 0.3930 m/s 0.4036 m/s
(corr. 4 d.p)
Both of our results are quite close. For me, my results range from 0.21m/s to 0.28m/s (corr.
2 d.p). Whereas her results range from 0.30m/s to 0.40m/s (corr. 2 d.p). It is reasonable that
her results are slightly higher than mines because she dropped her marble 15cm above, which
is 4cm taller than the height I dropped my marble from, which means she is suppling more
energy and thus the velocity should be higher if everything is kept constant.
Lastly, in order to further justify the validity of my hypothesis, I have crossed checked it with
the results written by Jaime Kvaternik, one of the candidates of the California States Science
Fair 3 and the author of Exploring Ocean Science Keith Stow, conducted similar
experiments as I did. Both of them concluded that the higher the water depth, the faster the
waves. In conclusion, my results are similar to my neighbors, as well as professors who have
conducted similar experiments, thus my results are reliable. Since my results supports my
hypothesis, so that implies my hypothesis are valid and reliable.
Due to the rapid movement of the waves, it is hard to measure the wavelength with a ruler.
Even if we were able to measure it, the data collected might not be reliable, as the waves
were constantly moving, so it is hard to ensure if the wavelength recorded was correct or not.
Thus, it is valid to film the entire experiment and insert it into Logger Pro to find the distance
and time. This is because, Logger Pro allows us to watch the videos in slow motion to ensure
the points we plotted are accurate. Furthermore, it also records the time it took for the wave
to travel from point A to B.
However, the validity of my results might be affected if I didnt follow the same point when I
was plotting the graph. Since the waves were not that vigorous like the ones we see in the
sea, thus It was quite hard to track the same point for the entire plotting process.
In order to prevent that from happening, I have set up a torch to shine on the water surface
during the experiment. This can make the waves to be more visible, such that I can follow the
same point easily when I am plotting the graph.
3 Grace, James B. "Effects of Water Depth on Typha Latifolia and Typha Domingensis." American Journal of Botany 76.5
(1989): 762-68. Web.
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Furthermore, the way I placed rulers along the side and at the bottom allows me to ensure
the accuracy of my data, as I can keep make use of the ruler at the side to keep track of the
depth of the water, as well as using the ruler placed at bottom to set a correct scale in Logger
Pro.
Since all my steps allow me to ensure the accuracy and fairness of my experiment.
Therefore, my method is valid to collect sufficient and reliable data, which is required to
complete my research question on the relationship between water depth and wave velocity.
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Since my partner Kaiser The water dripped off Kaiser should dry his hand
didnt dry his hand after Kaisers hand would with a tissue or cloth before
picking up the marble, produce another wave in the next trial.
water dripped off from his the water tray, and thus
hands while he dropped blocking me to observe the
the marble for the next wave create by the marble
trail. properly and this will also
affect the wave velocity.
Works cited
1. By Scattering and Reflecting, and The Hall Effect. "Water Waves - Boundless Open
Textbook." Boundless. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.
<https://www.boundless.com/physics/textbooks/boundless-physics-
textbook/waves-and-vibrations-15/waves-125/water-waves-440-1120/>.
2. "Functional EcologyVolume 22, Issue 5, Version of Record Online: 6 JUN 2008." Effect
of Water Depth, Velocity and Temperature on the Surfacing Frequency of the
Bimodally Respiring Turtle Elseya Albagula. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.
<http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2435.2008.01431.x/pdf>.
3. Grace, James B. "Effects of Water Depth on Typha Latifolia and Typha Domingensis."
American Journal of Botany 76.5 (1989): 762-68. Web.
4. Jan Parker, Teacher at Hinkley High School Follow. "Cause and Effect Relationship
between Wave Speed Frequency Wavelength." Cause and Effect Relationship
between Wave Speed Frequency Wavelength. N.p., 06 Feb. 2012. Web. 26 Sept.
2016. <http://www.slideshare.net/jan_parker/cause-and-effect-relationship-
between-wave-speed-frequency-wavelength>.
5. Lab partner Kaiser Kang 10 Peace
6. "Line Graph Maker." Online Reference & Tools. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.
<http://www.rapidtables.com/tools/line-graph.htm>.
7. Program, Tsunami. "National Weather Service - Tsunami Hazards." National Weather
Service. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.
<http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/?page=tsunami_science>.
17
8. Russell, Daniel A. "What Is a Wave?" Acoustics and Vibration Animations. N.p., 18
Feb. 2015. Web. 23 Sept. 2016. <http://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/Demos/waves-
intro/waves-intro.html>.
9. "Surface Wave." SpringerReference (n.d.): n. pag. Web.
10. "The Science Behind Tsunamis: Study the Effect of Water Depth on Wave Velocity."
Science Buddies. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.
<http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-
projects/project_ideas/OceanSci_p014.shtml>.
11. "Wave Velocity." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web.
26 Sept. 2016. <https://global.britannica.com/science/wave-velocity>.
12. "Waves." SpringerReference (n.d.): n. pag. Web.
Appendix
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Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15
0.05m water depth (trial 1) 0.05m water depth (trial 2) 0.05m water depth (trial 3)
-End of report-
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