Stationary Waves on a String - PRACTICAL - A Level Physics

In this video I go through an AQA Physics A Level Required Practical that uses stationary waves on a string to investigate the properties of standing waves. (This is AQA Required Practical 1.)

A signal generator connected to a vibration generator can be used to set up stationary waves (standing waves) on a string. By changing the length of the string and varying the frequency until you reach the first harmonic you can investigate the speed of the wave along the string. You can also vary the mass per unit length and the tension in the string as part of your investigation.

Thanks for watching,

Lewis

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[charlieknight]

This is such a helpful video, thank you

[willhughes]

at 3:56 u make a slight error with your words. you say wavelength is equal to 2 lamda instead of L

[jameskonefal]

AQA use the Greek letter mu for mass per unit length, which I personally think is clearer than using m, which would usually just mean mass.

[Elitea]

Sir, at 2:48 what were you trying to find from the experiment? Because I didn’t understand the graph part

[husseinjusab]

Where do you get readings for tension from

[Omar-stdw]

what if you want to find the effects on the frequency ?

[daniel]

Should length not go on the x axis since it is the independent variable?

[grnonie]

Is wave speed not represented by the letter v and not the letter c? like this v = f * wavelength

[Qwertyguy]

Hi, thanks for the helpful explanation. Just wanted to ask, how exactly do you know where the fundamental frequency is? Because the wave basically looks the same for me within a range of about 4-5 hz (I'm using guitar strings). Any answer would be appreciated, thank you!

[woopwoop]

Hi, sorry if this is a bit off topic but do you know of any way for someone studying independently at home can do the practical endorsement? I'm doing A level physics and maths (AS level at the moment) on my own time without a course since I can't really justify the expense of two distance a level courses (though I may be able to stretch to the fee for their written exams), but this practical endorsement is confusing. I keep seeing places online mention that it can be done, but none seem willing to talk about how, whether because they want you to pay for the full course first, or because it requires the full course full stop I don't know.

oh and do you know of any reliable online retailers where I can buy equipment for these practical things? They look fun so I can justify that expense, but buying things like data loggers and such is new territory :\

Thanks.

[aqibhossain]

Whats the L represents? Total length of wire from vibrator to the slotted mass or from the vibrator to the fixed end?

[Syiepherze]

Tip: place a tray full of sand directly below the masses, and keep distance. I think the sand tray has something to do with absorbing the impact when the masses fall to the ground. Not entirely sure though.

[AK]

Why does mass per unit length change as tension is increased/how do you work it out?

[aqibhossain]

Tommorow I got my IAS exam. I wish i could get a reply soon😥