The periodicity of connected stationary oscillators is demonstrated on the example of a continuous, harmonic transverse wave generated by a wave machine. The number of oscillations carried out by different oscillators within a certain time is determined and the velocity of propagation is measured. A relation between frequency, wavelength and phase velocity is established. The formation of standing waves is demonstrated and studied.
Benefits
- Large and very illustrative way to watch the propagation of waves including damping, coupling, standing waves and many more
- Slow propagation speed allows an excellent observation
- Easy fixation of wave images at any time
Tasks
- The frequency of the oscillators 1, 10, 20, 30 and 40 is to be determined with the electronic counter of the lightbarrier and the stopwatch for a particular frequency of excitation.
- By means of a path-time measurement the phase velocity of a transverse wave is to be determined.
- For three different frequencies the corresponding wavelengths are to be measured and it is to be shown that the product of frequency and wavelength is a constant.
- The four lowest natural frequencies with two ends of the oscillator system fixed are to be detected.
- The four lowest natural frequencies with one end of the oscillator system fixed and the other one free are to be detected.
Learning objectives
- Periodic motion
- Frequency
- Wavelength
- Phase velocity
- Standing waves
- Natural frequency
- Free and fixed end
- Damping of waves