Final answer:
To determine the frequency of waves produced in a ripple tank, fill a large bowl or basin with water and drop a cork in the center. Estimate the wavelength and period of oscillation of the water wave that propagates from the cork. Use the number of ripples from the center to the edge of the bowl, combined with the bowl measurement, to calculate the wavelength.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fill a large bowl or basin with water and wait for the water to settle so there are no ripples.
Gently drop a cork into the middle of the bowl.
Estimate the wavelength and the period of oscillation of the water wave that propagates away from the cork. You can estimate the period by counting the number of ripples from the center to the edge of the bowl while your partner times it. This information, combined with the bowl measurement, will give you the wavelength when the correct formula is used.