AQA Physics
1 Investigation into the variation of the
frequency of stationary waves on a string with
length, tension and mass per unit length of the
string
Learning objectives
After completing the practical you should be able to:
• observe a stationary wave on a stretched wire
• identify the fundamental mode of vibration and calculate the wavelength of a
stationary wave
1 T
• relate tension to speed using the equation f =
2L μ
• identify uncertainty in measurements.
Background
In this experiment you will identify the wavelength of stationary waves in a current-
carrying, vibrating wire in a magnetic field. You will pay particular attention to how
you can increase the precision of the measurement.
Safety
• Check electrical leads.
• Ensure that the wire is held firmly between the blocks.
• The wire may get hot due to the current, ensure you do not touch it when moving
the prism.
• Turn off the power supply while you are recording measurements and before you
add more tension weights (masses).
• Keep your feet away from the area directly below the tension weights in case
they fall.
• Wear safety goggles in case the wire snaps.
Equipment and materials
• a low-voltage ac power supply • a board with a pulley
• a length of wire • a G-clamp
• connecting leads • two wooden or plastic blocks
• a metre rule • a micrometer
• two magnets in a holder • several 1.0 N weights
• a prism
1 Investigation into the variation of the frequency of stationary waves on a string with length, tension and mass per unit length of
the string (Reviewed Dec 2018)
AQA Physics
Method
1 Set up the apparatus as shown in Figure 1. The magnets should be adjusted so
that they are approximately halfway between the clamped end of the wire and
the prism. The prism should touch the wire firmly.
2 Measure the average diameter of the wire, d, taking two perpendicular
measurements at three different places. Record your measurements in the table
below.
3 Switch on the power supply to approximately 6 V. Move the prism slowly along
the wire until you observe an increase in the amplitude of vibration. Find the
position where the amplitude is at its maximum. Record the length, L, and the
tension in the wire, T.
4 Identifying the fundamental mode of vibration is difficult. To ensure you have the
correct length repeat the experiment several times, moving the prism first from
one direction and then from the other in order to find an average value of L.
5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 for at least five different tension weights.
6 Note the frequency of the ac supply.
Figure 1 Experimental set-up
1 Investigation into the variation of the frequency of stationary waves on a string with length, tension and mass per unit length of
the string (Reviewed Dec 2018)
AQA Physics
Results
Below there are two tables: one to record your repeat readings for the diameter of the wire; and one to record your repeat readings for
the length of the wire, L, at the fundamental mode of vibration for the different tension weights, T.
Frequency of the ac supply: ____________________________
Average diameter / mm
Diameter / mm
T/N L1 / m L2 / m L3 / m L4 / m L5 / m Laverage / m λ/m v / ms-1 v2 / m2s-2
1 Investigation into the variation of the frequency of stationary waves on a string with length, tension and mass per unit length of the string (Reviewed Dec 2018)
AQA Physics
Questions
1 Suggest why the diameter of the wire should be measured, both vertically and
horizontally, at several places along the length of the wire. (2 marks)
2 Calculate the range of values for the length and for the diameter and so work
out the percentage uncertainty in each measurement. (4 marks)
3 Describe the main reason for the uncertainty in your measurements of length
and diameter. (2 marks)
4 Calculate and add to your results table:
a the wavelength of the stationary waves on the wire for each tension weight (2 marks)
b the speed of progressive waves on the wire for each tension weight, when
frequency is 50 Hz, using v = f (2 marks)
5 Use your results to plot a graph of tension, T, against v2, and use this to
determine a value for the mass per unit length, μ, of the wire. (4 marks)
Support for question 5
1 T
Consider the starting equation: f =
2L μ
For the fundamental mode of vibration, the wavelength λ is equal to twice the
1 T T
length of the string, 2L, so we can write: f = ; and so: f =
μ μ
T
But, according to the wave equation, v = f , so we can write: v =
μ
T
Squaring this equation, we have: v 2 =
And rearranging to solve for the tension gives: T = v 2
Comparing this expression to the equation of a straight line: y = mx + c ; if we
plot T in the y-axis and v 2 on the x-axis we should get a straight line of gradient
and y-intercept zero (through the origin)
1 Investigation into the variation of the frequency of stationary waves on a string with length, tension and mass per unit length of the
string (Reviewed Dec 2018)
