3B22.10 - Melde's String Vibrator
- Description
This demonstration illustrates harmonics and standing waves on a string. This could be accompanied by calculations on the board, using measurements made on-the-spot.
- Equipment
- PASCO mechanical oscillator
- 1A variable frequency power supply
- String
- Retort stand and clamp
- Strobe light
- How to assemble and operate
- 1. Tie string to oscillator and clamp on stand. Select the length carefully if you wish to show harmonics mathematically as well.
- 2. Set amperage to 1A on power supply, the oscillator will begin to oscillate.
- 3. Observe the difference in time taken to reach the endBy varying the string length, or the frequency of oscillation, various harmonics and standing waves can be shown. If not using calculations, start at low (~10 Hz) and increase until a harmonic is seen.
- 4. These phenomena can be seen more easily when a strobe lamp is used, where the frequencies are matched the standing wave will appear completely still, and therefore easier to see.
