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We found two excellent programs that let students see wave motion and analyze it at the same time, right on their computer. Both programs are freeware, and are self-installing and easy to operate. WAVES: This program teaches you the basic wave definitions (amplitude, period, etc.), and lets you do some experiments to measure wave features. Don't let the compressed screen shot we've included here fool you ... this is a full-screen sharp-looking program that presents wave motion slowly and clearly enough for students to see and measure exactly what is going on.  STANDING WAVES: This fine program by the same author clearly illustrates how and why a standing wave forms. Use this to supplement your own demonstrations, or just to help students visualize a standing wave.  We highly recommend these programs, and plan to use them in the classroom ourselves. |