Experiment 4: Standing Waves

Experiment 4: Standing Waves

The objective of this experiment is to gain knowledge and understanding of standing waves driven by an external force. There are several items that must be obtained before the experiment may be executed. These such items are a Pasco Variable Frequency Wave Driver, a weight which will be calculated using the mass, a meter stick for measuring the length of the string, a pulley and a pendulum clamp.

The main idea behind this entire lab is to find a relationship between the amount of nodes and antinodes, and as well as the frequency given by these nodes. It is clear to see that a higher frequency will create more nodes and antinodes.

This was used with a 123 centimeter string and clearly shows that the frequency increases as the nodes and anti nodes increase. There will always be one more node than antinode on any given wave.

Velocity = Frequency X Wavelength

Wavelength = 2(Length) / n

Velocity = sqrt(Tension / mass per unit length)

The tension in the string was calculated by simply determining the weight on it which in this case was 200.2 grams multiplied by the downward force of gravity at 9.8 m/s^2. The weight of the rope was determined by putting a set amount of length on the scale and then multiplying it by the length to determine how much the weight of the string was.