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level: RP01 - Stationary waves on a string

Questions and Answers List

level questions: RP01 - Stationary waves on a string

QuestionAnswer
A signal generator is used to provide an oscillating voltage that drives the vibration generator, producing mechanical oscillations in the string.Signal Generator
The vibration generator converts the electrical signal from the signal generator into mechanical oscillations, causing the string to vibrate and produce stationary waves.Vibration Generator
The stand holds the vibration generator and keeps the string taut. It ensures that the apparatus is stable during the experiment.Stand
The pulley allows the string to pass over it smoothly, maintaining the tension in the string by supporting the masses at the other end.Pulley
A wooden bridge supports the string at a fixed point, ensuring proper tension and acting as a point for the stationary wave formation.Wooden Bridge
The 100g masses with a holder are used to apply tension to the string by hanging them over the pulley, allowing for control over the string’s tension.100g Masses With Holder
The metre ruler is used to measure the length of the string or distance between nodes when stationary waves are formed on the string.Metre Ruler
The 1.5m long string is the medium on which stationary waves are formed when vibrated by the vibration generator.1.5m Long String
The balance is used to measure the mass of the string, allowing for accurate calculation of the string’s tension and other relevant parameters. .Balance
What is the first step in setting up the stationary waves on a string experiment?Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram.
How is the initial length l of the string adjusted?Adjust the length l to 1.000 m, measured using the metre ruler.
What should be done after setting the initial length?Increase the frequency f until the string oscillates at the first harmonic. Then, read and record f.
How is the length l adjusted after the initial measurement?Reduce l by 0.100 m, adjust f again until it oscillates at the first harmonic, and record f.
How many times is the process of reducing l repeated?Continue reducing l by 0.100 m each time, down to 0.500 m.
How is consistency ensured in the frequency measurements?Repeat the experiment twice more and find the mean f for each l.
What additional measurement is taken at the end of the experiment?Measure the mass of the string using a balance and record it.
What should be plotted on the graph for this experiment?Plot a graph of the mean value of f against 1/l and draw a line of best fit.
Plot the mean value of f against 1/l and draw a line of best fit. The wave speed is two times the gradient.Graph to Determine Wave Speed
How is the wave speed calculated from the gradient of the graph?The wave speed is two times the gradient of the graph.
The relationship is λ = 2l, giving v = fλ, where G is the gradient.Formula or Wave Speed and Wavelength
What is the tension of the string equal to?The tension is equal to the weight of the hanging mass, such as 0.981 N for a 100 g mass.
Calculated by dividing the mass of the string by its length, e.g., 1.5 m.Mass per Unit Length of the String
What is the alternative formula for wave speed?The formula is v = √(T/μ), where T is tension and μ is mass per unit length.
The wave speed obtained from the graph can be compared to the speed calculated using v = √(T/μ).Comparison of Wave Speeds
The stand could topple over and cause injury, so a counterweight can be used if it is deemed unstable.Stand Stability
How can the stability of the stand be improved in the experiment?A counterweight can be used if the stand is unstable to prevent it from toppling over.
The experiment can be repeated with different masses to change the tension and different thicknesses of string to change the mass per unit length in order to investigate the effect of these parameters.Experiment Repetition
How can the experiment be modified to investigate the effect of different parameters?The experiment can be repeated with different masses to change tension and different thicknesses of string to change mass per unit length.
An oscilloscope can be used to verify the signal generator’s readings.Use of Oscilloscope
What equipment can be used to verify the signal generator’s readings?An oscilloscope can be used to verify the signal generator’s readings.
The signal generator should be left for about 20 minutes to stabilise before use.Signal Generator Stabilisation
How long should the signal generator be left to stabilise before use?The signal generator should be left for about 20 minutes to stabilise.