Experiment Description

Experiment

Experiment C01    Stationary Waves

Objectives
  • Study the stationary transverse waves formed in an elastic cord
  • Study the stationary longitudinal waves formed in a slinky spring
  • Determine the speed of wave from the frequencies at various harmonics
  • Study the sound produced by the sonometer at different harmonics
Description
In this activity, you will study both transverse and longitudinal stationary waves. You will also study sound emitted from a vibrating string.

In Experiment 1, a (transverse) stationary wave would be set up in an elastic cord. The frequency of the vibrator is varied to arrive at several basic harmonics.

In Experiment 2, a (longitudinal) stationary wave would be set up in a vertical slinky spring. Again several basic modes of vibration would be observed.

In Experiment 3, sound is emitted by an metal string. The vibration of the string is caused by passing a varying current through the metal string and placing the string in a magnetic field. The sound emitted is recorded and analyzed by a microphone connected to a CRO.
Apparatus
vibration generator [1]
power signal generator [1]
elastic cord (1 m long) [1]
slinky spring [1]
sonometer [1]
strong magnet [1]
crocodile clip [2]
single beam oscilloscope (CRO) [1]
single beam oscilloscope (CRO) [1]
protective goggle [1 for each mem.]
stand-and-clamp [1]
sand paper [1]
microphone [1]
Experiment