investigation of the variation of fundamental frequency of a stretched string with length

Question 1

describe how the student set the string vibrating.

Answer 1

turn on the signal generator to apply a small current through the wire. The u-shaped magnet will cause the wire to vibrate at the frequency of the applied current

Question 2

why was the tension in the string kept constant during the experiment?

Answer 2

when performing an experiment, only one variable should be adjusted at a time to ensure recorded changes are due to that variable alone.. (adjusted-independent variable, changes as a result- dependent variable)

Question 3

how did the student know that the string was vibrating at its fundamental frequency?

Answer 3

the wire vibrated with a node at each end and one antinode in the centre. this was checked by placing a small piece of paper at the centre of the wire- when the piece of paper hops off the wire, the wire is vibrating with maximum amplitude at the centre

Question 4

how was the frequency determined?

Answer 4

by reading the value on the signal generator.

Question 5

using the data, draw a suitable graph on graph paper to show the relationship between the fundamental frequency of the stretched string and its length.

Answer 5

frequency vs 1/length

Question 6

what conclusion can be drawn from your graph?

Answer 6

a straight line graph through the origin shows that the fundamental frequency of the wire is inversely proportional to the length of the string.

Question 7

the fundamental frequency of a stretched string depends on factors other than its length. name one of these factors and give its relationship with the fundamental frequency.

Answer 7

f is proportional to square root of tension

f is proportional to square root of 1/u u=mass per unit length