Name: Muna Tuet (Year 10 Trust - Mr.

Slosberg)

Physics Assessment - Lab report

Experiment to investigate the effect of marble size (m) on the velocity (m/s) of water waves.

Investigation Question -Bi

How does the change of marble size affect the velocity of the water waves?

Background to the Investigation Question -Bi

What is waves?
Waves are produced by vibrations and oscillation, and it is referred as a repeating disturbance that moves
through a medium from one location to another.

The aim of the experiment is to measure the change in velocity of the wave when marble sizes increases. As
the height of drop and depth of water stays constant, marbles of different sizes will be dropped into the water
and see how the velocity changes (whether it increase, decreases or stays the same). In both Science and
maths, velocity is a vector quantity that involves magnitude and direction. It is not a scalar quantity like
speed that only involved magnitude. And in the experiment, direction of the waves will be also included to
make the results more accurate.

For each independent variable, there will be at least 3 trials. In order to find the velocity of the wave, an
application Logger Pro will be used to calculate the velocity of the wave. Every trial will be filmed and the
video will be inserted into Logger Pro. With the help of the application, a point of wave will be picked and
plotting consecutively in the time intervals. This bring more accurate results as origin and exact scale will be
marked in Logger Pro.

The slope of the graph is determined as the velocity of the wave:

The graph will have x-axis as time travelled and y-axis as distance taken. Logger Pro will also provide the
graph after plotting of points is completed, and velocity of the wave will be given.

Real Life Application

In daily life, waves exists everywhere especially in the ocean. These waves are formed by different factors,
such as disturbance of wind, depth of shores or other unknown factors such as sports held inside water. This
experiment is similar when stones are threw into the water that create waves. The situation of throwing
stones into the ocean is similar but it also happen with different angles, which this experiment does not
involve angles. However, when stones of different sizes and masses are thrown into the water, it creates
waves and the varies.

Hypothesis Bii

The mass of the marble increases, the velocity of the wave stays the same because the
water depth and height of drop stays constant. Unless there is change of medium, the velocity of the wave
will not change.
Explanation of Your HypothesisBii

The mass does not affect the velocity of the wave because the medium doesnt change. The change in
velocity mostly depends on the disturbance that moves through medium from one and another. The velocity
does not change because the medium stays the same, when a marble travels from a less denser medium to a
denser medium at the same height to a constant depth of water. The change in height of drop of the marble
creates changes because tension and pressure that gravity forces on the marble will change the speed of the
travel of object that also changes the velocity of the wave. Therefore, when marble sizes are different and
falls on the water at the same heights and same depth of water, only the amplitude of the water will change
but not the velocity, so that the velocity stays the same even the mass of marble increases or decreases.

The following is a sketch graph that explains my hypothesis.

VariablesBiii

Independent variable Marble size

Unit(s) of IV Meter(m)
Range of IV measured 5 points:
0.006 m
0.008 m
0.017 m
0.029 m
0.042 m

Reasons I chose these sizes:

The size of the marbles makes a very big difference in between each sizes
because small differences will not be able to show obvious changes in
velocity of wave. Therefore, I will try to see is there any changes in
velocity when marbles sizes changes from diameter of 0.6 cm to 4.2 cm.

Describe and explain Five different marble sizes with diameter of 0.6 cm, 0.8 cm, 1.7 cm, 2.9
the procedure to cm and 4.2 cm will be dropped from the same height to the water, which
change the remains the same depth for each test. There will be three trials for each
independent variable. variable and each trial will be filmed and uploaded into Logger Pro for
results of wave velocity. Three trials for each variable means there will be
15 videos. The first round 5 different marble sizes starting from the
smallest to the biggest, then repeat the second round of trial, then the third
trial of each.

Dependent variable Distance travelled by the wave,

Time taken

Unit(s) of DV Distance - meter (m)

Time - second (s)

Derived dependent The velocity of water wave

variable

Unit(s) of DV m/s

Describe and explain All the videos will be uploaded to Logger Pro, which is an application that
the procedure to helps calculate all the velocity using this formula:
calculate the derived
variable.
!
This is how Logger Pro works. You plot the scale in the video, pick a
point randomly and follow the wave for a few more points until you got
some data for the graph. Later, there is distance and time provided in the
graph and you can find the line of best fit that shows the velocity.

Controlled Procedure to control it and explain why it matters

variable to the investigation.
Describe and explain The height of For every trial, the marble is dropped from 15 cm. This
the procedure to drop of marble. has to be ensured because different height of drop can
control other lead to different results. Every time when I drop the
variables in the marble, I will double check by putting the marble near
investigation. to the ruler and see whether it is accurate.

Same water The water depth has to remain the same to make
depth the test fair. If the water inside the tray is often
changed, the water amount must be different.
Therefore, a ruler will be placed inside the tray. For
each water depth, I will measure using a ruler to see
whether the water amount reaches 5 cm to the surface
of the water.

Same marbles The marbles have to be the same in order to ensure the
validity of the method. Marbles are of different sizes
even they share the same brand or type. As each marble
is unique, the same marbles have to be used every time
after each trial and test.
In order to ensure that the same marble is used, I will
put them into a bowl after using once, which will
prevent it from mixing with other marbles.

Water Tray used The water tray used have to be the same. In order to
prevent from any mistakes, I will mark a label on my
tray writing my name to prevent from mixing with
other trays.

Materials / Equipment ListBiv

1) Plastic ruler length of 20 cm x1

2) Plastic long ruler length of 30 cm x1
3) Long white circular tray x1
4) Water 3900 mL (5cm from the bucket)
5) Marble diameter of 0.6 cm (0.5g) x1
6) Marble diameter of 0.8 cm (1.0g) x1
7) Marble diameter of 1.7 cm (6.0g) x1
8) Marble diameter of 2.9 cm (22.0g) x1
9) Marble diameter of 4.2 cm (85.0g) x1
10) Towel for drying marbles x1

Long white
circular tray

Five marbles of
different sizes

Ruler length of
20cm

Ruler length of
30cm

Risk Assessment Biv

# Safety issues & precautions Ways to prevent these hazards What to do in case of
from happening? (How to stay emergency?
safe?)
1 My partner and other Wear lab coat and safety Call the teacher if there are
classmates may be doing other goggles. any injuries. The lab coat
experiments that involve and safety goggles can
electricity and powder. There prevent most of the
may be accidents in the accidents.
laboratory.

2 Spilling out water or powder Keep the floor clean and dry. Help the injured student to
etc. Prepare some towels or tissues settle first and
that can dry every time one test immediately clean and dry
or trial is done. the floor.

Method / ProcedureBiv

* I will be holding the camera.

Procedure
 1. Wear lab coat and put on safety goggles before everything.
2. Prepare the materials as shown in equipment list and put in two rulers (one diagonally and one
vertically)
3. Fill the circular tray till the water reaches 5cm depth.
4. Setup camera (it should be able to see the whole experiment).
5. Put the marble near the ruler and ensure that it is 15 cm above the tray.
6. Film and drop the marble diameter of 0.6cm
7. Repeat steps from 5-6 for four more times for marbles with diameter of 0.8cm, 1.7cm, 2.9cm and
4.2cm
8. Repeat steps 5-7 for 2 more trials

Qualitative Observations
Senses Descriptions
See - I can see that the classmates around are doing very dangerous experiments that
may involve powder or electricity
- My partner is doing wind speed that involved a electric fan when electricity is
needed.
- My marbles are dropping and moving everywhere because they are circular shape
Hear - I heard some noises of electric fan.
- I heard water dripping after I settled up the experiment when marbles were taken
out from the tray
Smell - I smelled different powder, some of them smells sour and some others are sweet.
- I smelled electrical movements as my partner is using an electric fan when the
electric power is switched on to the maximum.
Feel - I felt water everywhere as marbles taken out from the water were wet and dripping
water.
- I felt some water on the floor as many other groups were working on experiments
where water is needed.

Results (Raw data) Ci

Table 1: A table showing how changing marble size (cm) affects the velocity (cm/s) of the wave.
Marble size (cm) Velocity of wave (cm/s)
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
0.6 25.48 25.74 25.86
0.8 25.18 25.69 25.12
1.7 26.04 25.30 25.68
2.9 25.36 25.06 24.92
4.2 25.67 25.18 25.21
*Refer to appendix 1 for graphs of each trial

Processing data Ci
Since the above velocity data is measured in cm/s, I will convert the unit back into m/s.
Table 2: A table shows how changing marble size (m) affects the velocity (m/s) of the wave.
 Marble size (cm) Velocity of wave (m/s)
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
0.006 0.2548 0.2574 0.2586
0.008 0.2518 0.2569 0.2512
0.017 0.2604 0.2530 0.2568
0.029 0.2536 0.2506 0.2492
0.042 0.2567 0.2518 0.2521

Processed data- Ci
Table 3: A table that shows how changing marble size (m) affects the average of the wave
velocity (m/s) and range of the wave velocity (m/s)
Marble size (cm) Velocity of wave (m/s)

Average (m/s) Range(m/s)

Min Max

0.006 0.2569 0.2548 0.2586

0.008 0.2533 0.2512 0.2569

0.017 0.2567 0.2530 0.2604

0.029 0.2511 0.2492 0.2536

0.042 0.2535 0.2518 0.2567

Graph- Ci
The graph below shows the relationship between the water depth (m) and wave velocity (m/s)
Average velocity (m/s)

Marble size (m)

Conclusion Cii

In conclusion, my results support my hypothesis. The mass of the marble increases, the velocity of the wave
will stay the same. In the graph above, it might look as if there is a very big difference between each
independent variable, but actually it was the their decimal place that in the y-axis that shows confusion. The
results for each independent trials are all approximately 0.25 m/s.

Explanation of results Cii

Looking at the above results, it explains when the medium and depth of water stays constant, no matter how
much the mass or size the marble has changed, the velocity of the water wave will not change.

When looking into medium, as air has the smallest index of refraction, which applies to light wave, is similar
to the idea of water waves. Light index of refraction is 1, and is the smallest index of refraction among all
medium, while water has a much higher medium. Therefore, as everything that enters into the water with the
same speed, the velocity is the same, which velocity does not change because of the change of mass of the
object dropped from the same height in the air.

This explanation is actually based on the kinetic energy that is mentioned in Newtons second law. F=ma.
This was discovered by Galileo. He has done many experiments about dropping and falling objects of
different mass to prove the relationship that mass does not affect the speed or velocity of the falling of
object. As the speed of some falling object will not be affected because of the mass of the object, two objects
with the same mass both accelerate at the same speed or rate. This applies to how the marble of different
sizes falls at the same speed, when the height of drop stays constant and the velocity of the water wave will
not change.

Evaluation-Validity of the hypothesis - Ciii

My hypothesis is valid and reliable according to my above explanation. I have done this experiment where I
cannot find recent experiments similar to mine. However, as working on collecting data process, I have
plotted the videos very accurately and it also proved my hypothesis which is based on my research. As seen
below, the results are quite similar to each other.

Evaluation - Validity of the method - Civ

Some of the reasons that my results are not accurate enough. The tray that I have used does not have a flat
bottom, the tray is also circular instead of rectangular shaped. The validity of the results may be affected due
to the irregular shape of the tray.

In order to prevent inaccurate results, I used the same tray for every test and trial, so even the waves may be
affected, they are also affected in the same way. Furthermore, I places rulers everywhere I could around and
inside the tray to measure the results more accurately.

Since I followed all my steps and ensured the fairness of the experiment, this experiment is a fair test.The
method of the experiment is very efficient and clear to investigate to what extend does the effect of
concentration changes the reaction rate. In the method, we started off by preparing all the equipments and
apparatus. Later, we rinse and dry all the equipments so that it is clean for the solutions that are poured into
the measuring cylinders and conical flask. We did each experiment one by one and recorded the time very
quickly into the results table. The method used to investigate the research question is quite valid, but there
are some parts that was questioned, because it might affect the accuracy of the results.

Evaluation of the Method and Suggested Improvements - Cv

Problems with the The effect caused by the Suggested improvements

experiment problem
The water is not stable The table is shaking a little bit I can put the tray on the floor or
because table is moving which may affect the wave in me and my partner can take turns
around and shaky due to my some ways. Furthermore, these to do experiments on the table.
partners electric experiment. water waves can be affected by
anything such as particles in the
air or drips dropping from wet
marbles or hands.
The tray is not rectangular but The tray is circular and so the I used the same tray for every
is circular and the bottom is waves may not move too much test and trial so that even results
not flat enough. onto one direction and that the may not be accurate they will
results may not be fair. stay constant because the tray
does not change.

Extensions to the experiment:

1. I should change a better container next time because this circular tray
affects the results somehow.
2. I would like to investigate how marble size affects the wavelength or
amplitude of water waves because it is more specific on the unit of
waves.

Works cited
1. How Does Mass Affect the Speed of Falling Objects? | Socratic." Socratic.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Feb.
2017. <https://socratic.org/questions/how-does-mass-affect-the-speed-of-falling-objects>.
2. Ocean Waves." Wave Motion. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Feb. 2017.<http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/
Waves/watwav2.html>
3. The Science of Water Waves." Open Water Rowing Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Feb. 2017. <http://
owrc.com/rowing-bay/science-of-water-waves/>
4. Why Do Two Bodies of Different Masses Fall at the Same Rate (in the Absence of Air Resistance)?"
Newtonian Mechanics - Why Do Two Bodies of Different Masses Fall at the Same Rate (in the Absence of
Air Resistance)? - Physics Stack Exchange. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Feb. 2017. <http://
physics.stackexchange.com/questions/11321/why-do-two-bodies-of-different-masses-fall-at-the-same-rate-
in-the-absence-of-a>.
Appendix

Figure 1 - 0.6 cm Trial 1 Figure 2 - 0.6 cm Trial 2 Figure 3 - 0.6 cm Trial 3

Figure 4 - 0.8 cm Trial 1 Figure 5 - 0.8 cm Trial 2 Figure 6 - 0.8 cm Trial 3

Figure 7 - 1.7 cm Trial 1 Figure 8 - 1.7 cm Trial 2 Figure 9 - 1.7 cm Trial 3

Figure 10 - 2.9 cm Trial 1 Figure 11 - 2.9 cm Trial 2 Figure 12 - 2.9 cm Trial 3

Figure 13 - 4.2 cm Trial 1 Figure 14 - 4.2 cm Trial 2 Figure 15 - 4.2 cm Trial 3

-End of report-