Vibration of strings

Principle

A tensioned metal string is made to vibrate. The vibrations of the string are optically scanned, the vibration process observed on the oscilloscope and the dependence of the frequency on the string tension and string length and the density of the material are investigated.

Benefits

• Investigation of the dependency of the vibration frequencies of 4 parameters in one experiment
• Cross-curricularly interesting for music lessons

Tasks

1. To measure the frequency of a string (e.g. constantan, 0.4 mm dia.) as a function of the tensioning force and the length of the string.
2. To measure the frequency for various types and cross-sections of string, at a fixed tension and string length.

Learning objectives

• Natural vibration
• Mass-spring system
• Harmonic sound intervals