Bryan Tong

Period 3
Wiggle me this
Procedure:
1. Obtain materials (apparatus, spring-scale, etc.).
2. Set apparatus up (i.e. plug in correct cords into frequency machine).
3. Take string off from apparatus and, while attached to the spring scale, pull the string and the spring scale up
so the two are parallel with where the string will be attached to the knob, and take that tension
measurement (be sure to mark where on the string the spring scale was to make sure that same location is
placed in the knob and secured).
4. Measure the frequency at which the first and second harmonic are produced.
5. Repeat for other tensions.
Tension, frequency of the string, and wavelength were measured. Frequency and wavelength were measured to
determine velocity (

v =f ) and thus velocity squared. Tension was taken because when tension and velocity

squared were known, the slope of the graph that plots tension on the y-axis and velocity squared on the x-axis would

T
be the linear mass density, or rho, since v =

T
2
v=
and
so

p=

T
v 2 . We had to be careful to record

the frequency when the string formed a true standing wave and to make sure tension remained constant because
otherwise, velocity would change and rho would change as well.
Error:
There was no significant error as the data values were all close to the best fit line. The deviations from the best fit
line may be due to varying interpretations of a good standing wave (some standing waves may have had higher
amplitudes than others). Another possible source of error was measuring tension, because as the string and spring
scale were being pulled up to the height of the knob, it may not have been at the same height, which may have led to
an increase or decrease in the measured tension. The prediction for the graph would be linear (when plotted with
tension on y-axis and velocity squared on x-axis) because they are directly proportional according to the equation
above. In addition, density is an intensive property, so any change in speed of the string or tension would not change
the linear mass density. Thus, as velocity squared increases, tension should also increase at the same rate. The graph
supports this because, although there is some variance within the data points itself, the overall trend shows a linear
relationship.

Prediction of Graph:
This graph was predicted because according to the above equations, tension and velocity squared are directly
proportional, so a linear relationship should be found.

Tension vs.

Tension

V2 (m2/s2)