Product Summary
Study standing waves in a string by varying the driver frequency and keeping the number of segments constant. The String Vibrator is powered by the 850 Universal Interface. Students vary both the frequency and amplitude.
PASCO Advantage: The unusual approach in this version of the experiment is that the students actually provide the tension in the string by pulling directly on the force sensor. This is particularly instructive because the students get a feel for how the tension must change to vary the number of segments. Rather than hanging more weight over a pulley, the students must pull harder to achieve a smaller number of segments. This helps them remember the relationship between tension and wavelength.
The 850 Universal Interface controls the frequency and amplitude of the sine waves applied to the String Vibrator. As the frequency is gradually increased (in 10 Hz increments), the student pulls on the Force Sensor to adjust the tension for resonance with the string vibrating in two segments.
Concepts
- Investigate standing waves
- Pull string to adjust number of segments
- Vary frequency of vibration
What's Included
Data Collection Software
This product requires PASCO software for data collection and analysis. We recommend the following option(s). For more information on which is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison: SPARKvue vs. Capstone »
Interface Required
This product requires a PASCO Interface to connect to your computer or device. We recommend the following option(s). For a breakdown of features, capabilities, and additional options, see our Interface Comparison Guide »
Experiments
Experiment Library
Perform the following experiments and more with the Vibrating Strings Experiment.
Visit PASCO's Experiment Library to view more activities.
College • High School / Physics
The general appearance of waves can be shown by means of standing waves in a string. This type of wave is very important because most of the vibrations of extended bodies, such as the prongs of a tuning fork or the strings of...
