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Standing Waves On A String

Purpose

To demonstrate standing waves in a thin string.

Equipment

Mounted string vibration assembly, stroboscope.

Images

g3-53

Description

The string is driven by a 60 Hz vibrator with the number of standing wave loops determined by adjusting the tension. Black painted channel is the background for improved visibility. Small paper tabs can be hung on the string to verify lack of motion at the nodal points and/or motion at the antinodes. A stroboscope can be used to slow down the motion for detailed study.

References

Thomas D. Rossing, Normal modes of a compound string, AJP 43, 735-736 (1975).