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Shive Wave Machine - Standing Waves

Purpose

To demonstrate standing waves.

Equipment

Shive Wave Machine with clamp; driver and metronome upon request.

Images

g3-04

Description

Standing waves can be generated with either (1) both ends fixed, (2) one end fixed and one end free, or (3) both ends free. Either use your hand or the motorized drive; your hand possesses better feedback for small adjustments in frequency. A metronome is available for comparing the frequencies of various harmonics.

References

B. A. Burgel, Dispersion, Reflection, and Eigenfrequencies on the Wave Machine, AJP 35, 913-915, (1967).