Waves Required Practicals

Question 1

Describe an Accurate Method for calculating the effect of Tension on the Frequency of Vibrating String. (5)

Answer 1

*Add 100g mass to the end of the Pulley and Calculate the Tension using MxG.
*Switch on Transducer and Increase Frequency until the 2nd Harmonic is formed.
*Second Harmonic is observed when there is 2 Standing Waves on a String with 4 Nodes and 2 Antinodes.
*Using Oscilloscape, record the Frequency of the Wave. *Increase the Mass added in equal Increments of 100g and repeat Experiment.

Question 2

State a Hazard, its Risk and a Safety Precaution in the Vibrating Spring Experiment.

Answer 2

Pulley not firmly attached to Work Bench and could injure Foot. Ensure the Pulley is secure.

Question 3

State 3 Control Varaibles in the Vibrating String Experiment.

Answer 3

-Length of String
-Material of String
-Masses.

Question 4

Describe how to Manipulate the Results from the Vibrating String Experiment. (2)

Answer 4

-Plot a Graph of Frequency^2 against Tension.
-Gradient will Equal 1/Mass per Unit Length x Wavelength