Powell's Wave
Product Code : SCL-PMP-11115
Quick answer: Powell's wave apparatus is a mechanical model of a transverse wave. Turning its hand crank rotates a shaft carrying progressively offset eccentric cams, which lift a row of vertical rods in sequence so a wave appears to travel along the row. It is used to teach wave motion, phase and frequency without electricity. Lab Exports manufactures it in Delhi for schools, colleges and universities.
Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wave type shown | Transverse wave |
| Drive | Manual hand crank |
| Mechanism | Vertical rods resting on a rotating shaft with progressively offset eccentric cams |
| Rod tops | High-visibility caps for tracking crests and troughs |
| Power | None required; fully mechanical |
How the model is used in teaching
Each rod rests on its own cam, and each cam is set a little further round the shaft than the one before it. When the shaft turns, every rod rises and falls with the same amplitude and period, but slightly later than its neighbour. The rods move only up and down, yet the pattern of crests and troughs travels steadily along the row. That is what happens in a transverse wave: the particles of the medium oscillate about fixed positions while the wave carries energy along the medium.
- Stand the apparatus on a bench at the eye level of the class.
- Turn the crank slowly so students can follow one rod through a full up-and-down cycle.
- Point out two rods that move exactly together; the distance between them is one wavelength.
- Turn the crank faster and show that more crests pass a fixed point each second, so the frequency rises.
- Because the cam spacing fixes the wavelength, use v = f lambda to show that the wave speed rises in step with frequency.
Key features
- Row of vertical rods shows particle displacement, crests and troughs clearly.
- Progressively offset eccentric cams give a smooth, continuous transverse wave.
- Hand crank lets the teacher slow down or speed up the wave to show frequency changes.
- Fully mechanical and electricity-free, so it can be used anywhere in the classroom.
- Supplied fully assembled and ready to demonstrate with no calibration.
What is included
- Powell's wave apparatus, fully assembled
- Attached manual hand crank
- Instructional guide with lesson plan suggestions
Documentation and supply
Most Lab Exports products carry a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Lab Exports manufactures the Powell's wave apparatus at its works in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, and supplies it to schools, colleges and universities in India and 60+ countries, handling the export documents for each shipment. More about the company is on the About Lab Exports page.
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The full range is in the Physics Miscellaneous Products section of the Physics Lab range.
Frequently asked questions
What does Powell's wave apparatus demonstrate?
It demonstrates a transverse wave: each rod oscillates vertically about a fixed position while the pattern of crests and troughs travels along the row.
Does Powell's wave apparatus need electricity?
No. It is driven entirely by the hand crank, so no power supply is needed.
What is the price of the Powell's wave apparatus?
Prices are not published on the website. Add the Powell's wave apparatus to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page, or email [email protected] with the house code SCL-PMP-11115 and the quantity, to receive a quotation.
Does Lab Exports manufacture the Powell's wave apparatus?
Yes. Lab Exports manufactures the Powell's wave apparatus at its works at 11/315, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi 110092, under house code SCL-PMP-11115.
Request a quote
Email [email protected] with the house code SCL-PMP-11115 and the quantity, or add the Powell's wave apparatus to the Enquiry Cart with the Add To Cart button on this page. Tender buyers can also see the Tenders and OEM page.
