Measuring the speed of water waves from distance and time
I can explain how to make measurements of distance and time to accurately measure the speed of water waves.
Measuring the speed of water waves from distance and time
I can explain how to make measurements of distance and time to accurately measure the speed of water waves.
Slide deck
Lesson details
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.
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.
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 a mistake. A line should be drawn through it and it should not be used to calculate a mean.
Content guidance
- Equipment requiring safe usage.
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Worksheet
Starter quiz
6 Questions
metres (m)
seconds (s)
metres per second (m/s)