8th+Waves+on+a+String

Computer with internet access Website: http://phet.colorado.edu/simulations/sims.php?sim=Wave_on_a_String
 * Waves on a string (S8P4)**
 * Materials**


 * Objective:** The purpose of this exercise is to become familiar with wave behavior by examining the affect of changing the frequency and amplitude using a computer simulation.


 * PROBLEM PRESENTATION / EXPLORATION**

The behavior or a wave will change as the frequency (F) and amplitude (A) are altered. The frequency is the number of waves that occur per unit time, while the amplitude is the height of the wave. Both factors play an important part in determining the type, energy, and visibility of the wave. Figure 1 illustrates the parts of a wave.

Figure 1: Diagram of a wave, with all the parts labeled. //Source://


 * Exercise I**

Go to []. The page will display the Wave on a String activity. Click on Run Now button. For this exercise we will use the Oscillate function, so click on Oscillate. 1. Describe the behavior of the fixed end oscillating wave when the amplitude, damping, and frequency are set to 50 and tension is high.

2. Now keeping everything set to 50, reduce the tension to half way between low and high. Describe the wave.

3. Compare the behavior of the wave when the A is 50 and F is 10 to when A is 50 and F is 66.

4. How does the wave appearance change when A is changed from 22 to 64 and F is 100 for both cases?

5. Use the conditions in question 3 and change the velocity by making the end of the string free. Compare the behavior of A and F to the results in question 3?

6. Make your own wave. Record A, F, and any other conditions that are changed. Now compare it the person to the right. Write down their conditions and compare them to yours.