P12 - Observing waves in a solid

Step 1

Switch on the vibration generator. The string should start to vibrate

Step 2

To see a clear wave pattern, adjust the frequency on the signal generator to get a standing wave pattern. The waves should look like they are not moving

Step 3

Use a metre ruler to measure across as many half wavelengths as possible (a half wavelength is one loop).

Step 4

Divide the total length by the number of half waves. Multiplying this by two will give the wavelength.

Step 5

The frequency of the wave is the frequency of the signal generator. Calculate the speed of the wave → wave speed = frequency × wavelength

Step 6

Repeat with different standing wave patterns