Standing waves in a string

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PIRA index: 3B22.10

Description

An allen key, attached to a handheld drill, rotates a string attached to a ball bearing to simulate a string vibrator. Standing waves appear in the string according to the frequency of oscillation (rotation speed of allen key) and the tension in the string.

Equipment

• cordless drill
• allen key and ball bearing attached by string

Instructions

Fix the ball bearing piece to a table. Extend the string and insert the allen key into the drill. Operate the drill to vibrate the string. The number of nodes and anti-nodes will is dependent on the speed of the drill as well as the tension in the string.

Keywords

standing wave, drill, motor, allen key, rotation, node, anti-node

Images & Movies

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  Figure1

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  Figure2