Physics Demonstrations in Sound and Waves, Part 1

30 minutes

Physics Demonstrations in Sound & Waves is a three-part video program which presents a full range of demonstrations in the areas of sound, vibrations, and wave behaviour. The program was developed in an effort to give physics teachers a comprehensive collection of video demonstrations, supplementing the instructor’s live classroom demonstrations. Three-dimensional computer animation is used to augment many of the demonstrations, providing a graphical representation of the physical behaviour.

Program Format

Individual demonstrations are 3 to 4 minutes in length and can be quickly accessed using the program's on-screen indexing system. The indexing system allows the teacher to select a particular demonstration and show it at the appropriate time during a unit on sound and waves. The accompanying teacher’s guide gives additional data, information, and suggestions on using the demonstrations to promote further classroom discussion.

Demonstration Selection and Filming Techniques

The selection of demonstrations includes those which are difficult to perform in the classroom and those requiring apparatus not readily accessible to many physics teachers. Detailed observation of the demonstrations is accomplished through use of a filming approach which focuses solely on the apparatus, allowing the teacher to utilize the program in a way which is consistent with his or her personal instructional approach. The voice over narration eliminates the on-screen presenter and allows attention to be directed to the physical behaviour being studied.

Contents of Part 1:

Mechanical Resonance: Forced Vibrations with Single and Coupled Oscillators
Velocity/Wavelength & Frequency/Reflected Waves: Transverse Waves on a Coil Spring
Change in Medium/Interference: Transverse Waves on a Coil Spring
Standing Waves: Vibrational Modes on a String
Longitudinal Waves: Propagation/Interference of Longitudinal Waves
Longitudinal Standing Waves: Stroboscopic Analysis of Standing Wave Behaviour
Waves in Two-Dimensions: Reflection and Refraction of Waves in a Ripple Tank
Waves in Two-Dimensions: Interference and Diffraction of Waves in a Ripple Tank