Measuring the speed of water waves from distance and time
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how to make measurements of distance and time to accurately measure the speed of water waves.
Key learning points
- The speed of water waves can be measured using measurements of distance travelled and time taken.
- Random errors are made when the method limits how accurate a measurement can be.
- The effect of random errors can be reduced by repeating readings and calculating a mean.
- The uncertainty in a mean result is calculated from half the range of the repeat measurements.
Keywords
Random error - A random error is caused by unpredictable factors that affect the measurement of a variable.
Uncertainty - Uncertainty is an estimate of how far from the true value a measurement might be. It is equal to half the range of repeat measurements.
Mean - The mean is calculated by adding each measurement and dividing by the number of measurements.
Anomalous result - An anomalous result is a measurement that is significantly different from the others. It should be crossed out and not used in calculating the mean.
Common misconception
Calculating a mean of repeat readings reduces (random) errors in measurements.
Calculating a mean reduces the effect that random errors have on a final result. The random errors in the original readings are unaffected.
Teacher tip
In class, demonstrate the practical using the actual equipment the pupils will use rather than watching the video of example data being collected. The practical task should be quite quick and should reinforce the focus on measuring techniques.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following quantities to their units.
metres (m)
seconds (s)
metres per second (m/s)
Q2.Which of the following is the correct equation for speed?
Q3.Which of the following is not a unit of speed?
Q4.Sam take three repeat measurements for the time taken for a wave to travel a set distance. The results are 0.21 s, 0.19 s and 0.26 s.
Calculate the mean time.
You do not need to include the units.
Q5.What effect do random errors have on repeat readings?
Q6.The uncertainty in a measured value refers to ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are SI (International System of Units) units of distance and time?
Q2.Which of the following is the SI unit of speed?
Q3.Which of the following affects the speed of a water wave?
Q4.Why are repeat measurements taken when measuring the time it takes a water wave to travel a set distance?
Q5.What is the name given to the type of error caused by differences in a person’s reaction time?
Q6.A result that is close to the true or expected value is .
To help you plan your 10 combined science lesson on: Measuring the speed of water waves from distance and time, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 combined science lesson on: Measuring the speed of water waves from distance and time, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Measuring waves unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.