A student carried out an experiment to investigate how the fundamental frequency f of a stretched string changes with length l - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 3 - 2022
Question 3
A student carried out an experiment to investigate how the fundamental frequency f of a stretched string changes with length l. The student set a length of string vi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student carried out an experiment to investigate how the fundamental frequency f of a stretched string changes with length l - Leaving Cert Physics - Question 3 - 2022
Step 1
Draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus used in this experiment.
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Answer
To draw the apparatus, include a sonometer and a stretched string. The diagram should depict the sonometer with two bridges supporting the string, a tuning fork used to create vibrations, and a weight to represent the tension. Label each component clearly.
Step 2
Indicate on your diagram the length of string the student measured.
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On the diagram, indicate the length of the string measured by marking between the two bridges with a dashed line or another clear marker. This should represent the vibrating portion of the string.
Step 3
Name the instrument used to measure length.
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The instrument used to measure the length of the string is a sonometer or a meter stick.
Step 4
Explain why the tension of the string must be kept constant.
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The tension of the string must be kept constant to ensure that the frequency of vibration is solely dependent on the length of the string. Variations in tension would affect the frequency, leading to inconsistent results. Keeping tension constant allows for accurate investigation of how frequency changes with length.
Step 5
How did the student find the frequency values?
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The student found the frequency values using a tuning fork or a signal generator, matching the frequency of oscillation to that of the string.
Step 6
Describe how the student knew that resonance had occurred.
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The student knew that resonance had occurred when there were visible increases in the amplitude of the string's vibrations, recognized as a loud sound or clear standing waves.
Step 7
Use the data to plot a graph of 1/f against 1/l.
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To plot the graph:
Calculate 1/f and 1/l for the given frequencies and lengths.
Create a graph with 1/l on the x-axis and 1/f on the y-axis.
Label axes correspondingly, plot the calculated points, and include a line of best fit to represent the relationship.
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