Ripple Tank – Complete Wave Motion Demonstration Kit [0490]

The Ripple Tank is a comprehensive and versatile physics teaching apparatus designed to illustrate key principles of wave motion in a clear and engaging way. Ideal for KS3, GCSE, and A‑Level physics, this full classroom system enables students to visualise and investigate rectilinear, circular, reflected, refracted, and diffracted waves in real time.

Constructed around a moulded frame with a clear acrylic window, the tank is scratch‑resistant and securely supported by adjustable metal legs, ensuring stability and accurate alignment. Its generous 40 × 40cm working area provides ample space for a wide range of experiments and demonstrations.

This ripple tank is supplied as a complete, ready‑to‑use unit, including an illuminator lamp, motorised rippler, controller, and a full selection of wave‑shaping accessories. The clever design also allows the tank to be used on an overhead projector, making wave patterns easily visible to the whole class.

Supplied Components

• Ripple Tank – 40 × 40cm acrylic viewing area
• Metal support legs (adjustable)
• Rippler motor with eccentric cam mounted on PVC bar
• Three supports for illuminator and motor unit
• Motor hanging clamps
• Springs for motor suspension
• Halogen lamp unit – 12V illuminator
• Hand stroboscope
• Concave Perspex plate
• Convex Perspex plate
• Rectangular Perspex plate
• Curved reflector
• Large barrier
• Small barrier
• Plastic roller bar
• Lead set
• Controller

Key Features

• Demonstrates rectilinear and circular wave motion
• Suitable for reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference studies
• Clear acrylic viewing window
• Scratch‑resistant and robust construction
• Adjustable metal legs for precise setup
• Compatible with overhead projectors
• Supplied as a complete teaching kit
• Packed securely in protective foam

Physical Specifications

• Tank size: 40 × 40cm
• Overall dimensions (approx): 17.3in × 17.3in × 3.9in
• Weight: 6.6lb

Ideal for School Physics Lessons

This ripple tank is ideal for KS3, GCSE, and A‑Level physics lessons, providing a powerful visual tool for understanding wave behaviour. The wide range of included accessories allows teachers to demonstrate curriculum topics clearly and interactively.

• Studying wave propagation
• Demonstrating reflection and refraction
• Investigating diffraction and interference
• Exploring wavefronts and wavelength
• Supporting exam‑focused waves and optics topics

Robust, versatile, and exceptionally well equipped, the Ripple Tank [0490] is an essential resource for any school physics department, enabling students to see and understand wave phenomena with clarity and confidence.