RP8 - Waves - Part 2: Observing waves in a solid. Flashcards
1
Q
Outline the basic steps of the practical.
A
- Attach a piece of string to a vibration generator at one end and to a mass hanger suspended over a pulley at the other
- Place the wooden bridge under the string before it reaches the pulley
- Start the generator and alter the tension and bridge until it looks like the wave isn’t moving
- Measure the wavelength, and record the frequency
- Calculate wave speed
2
Q
How do you measure the wavelength?
A
- Using a metre ruler, measure across as many loops as you can
- Each loop is a half wavelength
- Divide the distance by the number of loops and multiply by two to get the wavelength
3
Q
What value is used for the frequency?
A
The value should be taken from the frequency generator settings.