Procedure:

In this experiment, standing waves are set up in a stretched string by the vibrations
of an electrically-driven string vibrator. The tension in the string equals the weight of the
mass suspended over the pulley. You can alter the tension by changing the mass. You can
adjust the amplitude and frequency of the wave by adjusting the output of the Sine Wave
Generator, which powers the string vibrator.
ata, Results and Computations
No. of
Segment
/s (n)
1

Frequen
cy (Hz)

Amplitud
e

46.7

1/8 full

93.8

1/2 full

139.7

1/4 full

181.3

3/4 full

Waveleng
th (m)
=2L/n
=2(1.0m)/
1
=2
=2(1.0m)/
2
=1
=2(1.0m)/
3
=0.67
=2(1.0m)/
4
=0.5

Frequency and wavelength is

inversely proportional to each
other. When one increases, the
other decreases.

1/

0.5

The velocity is the slope of the

graph.

1.0

Despite the number of

segments, there is only a
single velocity because it is
dependent on the tension and
length.

1.4
9
2.0

200
150

f(x) = 90.1x + 2.97

R = 1

Frequency 100
50
0
0.4

0.6

0.8

1.2

1/

Vwave= f
F= Vwave/
F 1/

Changing Tension

1.4

1.6

1.8

2.2

Frequency
(Hz)
93.8

No. of
Segments
4

Amplitu
de
1/4 full

Mass
(g)
37

Tension
(N)
0.3626

Wavelength
(m)
=2L/N
=2(1.0)/4
=0.5

Velocity
(m/s)
V=f
V=(0.5)
(93.8)
V=46.9

Changing Length
Frequen
cy (Hz)
116.8

No. of
Segme
nts
2

Observations

Amplitu
de
2/3 full

Leng
th
(cm)
42

Wavelen
gth ()

Velocity
(m/s)

=2L/N
=2(0.42
)/2
=0.42

V=f
V=(0.42)
(116.8)
V=49.06

The number of
segments is
inversely
proportional to the
The length of the string is
inversely proportional to the
velocity. As the length is
decreased, making its mass
lighter, the velocity speeds up.

When theres a bad node a buzzing noise is evident, it seems that theres some kind
of unnecessary turbulence happening both in the string vibrator and the string.
The adjustment of the knobs in both frequency and amplitude is very critical or
somewhat meticulous, in order to gain a good node and execute the conditions provided,
like obtaining a large-amplitude wave.
The random error in some case haunt the measurements and the recorded data, like
in observing the frequency upon the string, sometimes the interpretation is difficult because
the string is quite observable.
Sometimes we got bad nodes in adjusting the knobs of the sine wave generator, due
to wrong interpretation and modification of both the frequency and amplitude.
Observational errors under random error are also palpable in the said activity. E.g. in
observing the changes in velocity and the factors upon the string.
Actually, while the string vibrator creates standing waves, the string is naturally
moving and sometimes the set-up is moving also, so theres a need of supporting the stands
while the generator runs, to avoid any collapse within the set-up.
In unclamping the string vibrator and slowly moving it towards the pulley, weve got
some series of trials in decreasing the length of vibrating string, in order to vibrate it into
two segments.
In terms of measurement, weve got a ruler and a meter stick to measure the length
of the string during the adjustment in the set-up. The problem was on the calibration of the
meter stick because the ends and the markings on the stick were slightly distorted and
erased, maybe it is often used or because of its long-term utilization. This situation is related
to systematic error where theres an imperfect calibration of measurement instruments.
In measuring the length of the string, it is difficult to evade such observational error in
interpreting the measurement, like having a wrong instrumental reading due to apparent
change of position youre measuring of, or shall we say the term parallax.
Conclusion

There are number of factors in order for us to maintain proper structure of the waves. Also,
there are many things to consider for us to attain a good node.
The experiment was able to show the relationship among velocity, frequency, and
wavelength. Frequency and wavelength is inversely proportional to each other. When one
increases, the other decreases.
Furthermore, the relationship is different between number of segments and the tension. The
number of segments is inversely proportional to the square root of tension and this was
shown above. Lastly, the length of the string is inversely proportional to the velocity. As the
length is decreased, making its mass lighter, the velocity speeds up.