RP8 - Waves - Part 2: Observing waves in a solid.

Question 1

Outline the basic steps of the practical.

Answer 1

1. Attach a piece of string to a vibration generator at one end and to a mass hanger suspended over a pulley at the other
2. Place the wooden bridge under the string before it reaches the pulley
3. Start the generator and alter the tension and bridge until it looks like the wave isn’t moving
4. Measure the wavelength, and record the frequency
5. Calculate wave speed

Question 2

How do you measure the wavelength?

Answer 2

1. Using a metre ruler, measure across as many loops as you can
2. Each loop is a half wavelength
3. Divide the distance by the number of loops and multiply by two to get the wavelength

Question 3

What value is used for the frequency?

Answer 3

The value should be taken from the frequency generator settings.