STANDING WAVES ON A STRING
1. Calculate the mass per unit length of the cord m, by finding the ratio . Enter the results in cell C13.
2. From the distance between first and last nodes L, and the number of nodes N, calculate wavelength for each individual standing wave pattern using the relation:
A separate column is provided in the Data Table for the wavelength, λN. Enter the values in cells D18:D21.
3. Calculate the square of the wavelength, , for each pattern, and enter the values in cells E18:E21.
4. Use the relation v = f λ to calculate the speed, v, and speed squared, v2, for each loop pattern. Enter the results in cells F18:G21.
5. Make a graph of the speed squared versus tension. Draw the best straight line through the data. From equation (2), note that , so that the Slope, S, of this line is the reciprocal of the linear mass density of the string, μ. Enter the value of the Slope in cell C25. Compute the reciprocal of the Slope, 1/S, and enter the value in cell C27.
6. Calculate the percentage difference between the reciprocal Slope and the measured linear mass density μ from cell C13. Enter the result in cell C29.
7. Make a plot of the squared wavelength, λ2, vs. the tension, T, in the string and draw the best straight line through the data. From equation (3), note that the slope of this line is
8. The frequency of the waves can be determined by solving the above relation for the frequency:
9. Use the slope, , and calculated (cell C27) mass per unit length, μ, to find the calculated frequency. Enter the result in cell C35.
10. Compare the above result to the actual frequency that is recorded in cell F12. Determine the percentage error and enter the value in cell C37.
11. Attach your graphs and the completed Worksheet to your lab report.