Computer-aided instruction in wave propagation phenomena

A `virtual laboratory´ which uses computer simulation and visualisation techniques is proposed for the training of high school and college students in the study of wave propagation phenomena. Physical laboratory experiments are replaced by numerical experiments based on a mathematical model and its numerical simulation on a computer. Simple experiments that can be performed in a water tank with simple tools are simulated in the `virtual laboratory´ using the wave equation as a mathematical model. As an example the interference between the waves generated by two time harmonic point sources is studied and Bragg´s law observed. In the `virtual laboratory´ students can design their own experiments and observe the results of the numerical simulations via animation techniques