Superposition & Standing Waves Simulation — ClassAdapt
The simulation
A 3D interactive AQA required practical for wave speed, v = f × λ, with two switchable methods. The ripple tank uses a motor driven dipper to send straight water waves, lit from above so bright crests and dark troughs project onto a screen with a printed ruler. The waves on a string method uses a vibration generator, a string under tension over a pulley, and a hanging mass, forming a standing wave with clear nodes and loops. Pupils work through seven guided steps, set the frequency on a live dial, freeze or tune the pattern, sweep a ruler across several waves or loops, then work out the speed themselves in an interactive panel with laddered hints. The full Adapt accessibility suite is built in, including large Lexend readouts, projector mode, and a light or dark theme.
Suggested class activity
Split the class into pairs and give each pair a different target frequency. Each pair runs both methods, records frequency, wavelength, and calculated speed, then pools results on the board. Ask them to spot that the ripple tank speed stays fixed while the string speed lands on the true value only at resonant frequencies. Finish with a discussion of why measuring several waves rather than one reduces error, linking back to the standing wave condition on the string.