| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Physics |
| Lesson Topic: Describe what is meant by wave motion as illustrated by vibrations in ropes and springs, and by experiments using water waves |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe wave motion and differentiate transverse and longitudinal waves using rope, spring, and water demonstrations.
- Explain how tension, mass per unit length, stiffness, frequency, and water depth affect wave speed and wavelength.
- Apply the relationship v = fλ to calculate wave speed from experimental measurements.
- Predict the effect of changing tension, frequency, or depth on observed wave characteristics.
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Materials Needed:
- Taut rope and fixed support
- Coiled spring
- Ripple tank or shallow tray with water
- Mechanical vibrator or hand paddle
- Rulers or measuring tapes
- Stopwatch
- Projector and slide deck of wave diagrams
- Worksheet for calculations and reflections
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Introduction:
Begin with a short video of ocean waves to capture interest, then ask students how energy can travel without visible movement of water itself. Recall prior learning about energy transfer and particle motion. Explain that today they will investigate wave motion through rope, spring, and water experiments, and will be able to demonstrate the key relationships v = fλ and v = √(T/μ).
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5') – Students answer quick questions on wave definitions and identify transverse vs longitudinal examples on the board.
- Mini‑lecture (10') – Review key terminology (medium, amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, wave speed) with slide visuals.
- Demonstration 1 – Rope wave (8') – Show a transverse wave, vary tension, discuss effect on speed; students record observations.
- Demonstration 2 – Spring wave (8') – Show a longitudinal wave, vary driving frequency, discuss compression spacing; students note particle‑motion direction.
- Water‑wave investigation (15') – In groups, generate waves in a ripple tank, measure wavelength with a ruler, time crest travel, calculate speed and compare with v = fλ; explore depth effect.
- Guided worksheet (10') – Students complete calculations and answer conceptual questions linking all three demonstrations.
- Check for understanding (5') – Quick exit‑ticket quiz with three short items on wave‑speed relationships.
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Conclusion:
Summarise how the three experiments illustrated the same fundamental wave principles and reinforced the v = fλ relationship. Ask students to write one real‑world example of wave motion for the exit ticket. Assign homework to research a technological application of wave physics and prepare a brief description.
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