Propagation of a periodically excited continuous transverse wave

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

1. 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.
2. By means of a path-time measurement the phase velocity of a transverse wave is to be determined.
3. 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.
4. The four lowest natural frequencies with two ends of the oscillator system fixed are to be detected.
5. 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