Sound of Vibrating Strings Experiment

Description

First, we will explore qualitatively how string tension, length, and linear density affect the sound of the vibrating string. Then we will take measurements for the following situations:
1.      The frequencies of two strings of the same length and tension but different linear densities are compared.
2.      The length of the vibrating string is varied and the frequency of the sound is measured with the Wireless Sound Sensor and the relationship between string length and frequency is determined.
3.      The tension in the vibrating string is varied and the frequency is measured and the relationship between the string tension and the frequency is determined.

In addition, for a given string tension, the length of a string will be adjusted until each tuning fork in the set causes the string to resonate. The vibrating tuning fork is held against the Sonometer sounding board and when the resonant frequency of the string matches the frequency of the tuning fork, the paper riders on the string will vibrate. The relationship between the frequencies and the length is determined.

Teaching Advantage
The PASCO Sonometer has a sounding box that makes the sound loud. The frequency can be found with either a tuning fork or a Sound Sensor.

Concepts
How Frequency Depends on String Tension
How Frequency Depends on String Length
How Frequency Depends on String Linear Density

What’s Included
1x Sonometer (WA-7428)
1x Wireless Sound Sensor (PS-3227)
1x Tuning Fork Set (SE-7342)
1x Large Slotted Mass Set (ME-7566)
1x Short Mass Hanger (ME-7590)

https://www.pasco.com/products/complete-experiments/waves-and-optics/ex-5565