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Waves on a string

Observe the vertical vibration of the particle and confirm v=fλ by measurement.

    P06 · Waves on a string0.00 s · Ready
    Observe the vertical vibration of the particle and confirm v=fλ by measurement.

    Physics · Waves · Sound / Principles and Exploration

    Waves on a string — principles and investigation

    The peaks of the string move sideways, but in which direction do the particles that make up the string move? This is an experiment that distinguishes wave transmission by looking at the movement of the displayed particles and the overall waveform. Change the frequency, amplitude, and wave speed one by one and measure the relationship between wavelength and period.

    How does it work?

    As the frequency increases, the wavelength becomes shorter at the same speed. The x of the particle does not change.

    Key relationship

    v = fλ = λ/T

    Try this investigation

    1. The orange particles only move up and down in the same x. You can also use a pause after observing 3 cycles.
    2. Fix the speed and record 1, 2, and 4 Hz. The period is measured through the particle's zero point, and the wavelength is measured between the spatial zero points.
    3. Compare by changing only the amplitude or speed.

    Interpreting your results

    How do you interpret the wavelength of 2 m measured at a speed of 4 m/s and a frequency of 2 Hz?

    The transmission speed is fλ and the particle in the string oscillates vertically at a fixed x.

    Assumptions and limitations

    It is a uniform, infinite string of small amplitude linear traveling waves. Omit reflection, attenuation, and dispersion. The time interval is 1/240 s and the spatial sample interval is 0.002 m. Sound is 220 times the actual frequency.