Use this Google Doc to record your answers.
Science and Engineering Practices - Planning & Conducting Investigations
Scientists investigate to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence as part of building and revising models or supporting explanations for phenomena. They consider possible variables or effects and ensure variables are controlled.
Set the damping to NONE with the slider.
Wiggling the wrench is like plucking the guitar string. Wiggle the wrench to create a single pulse on the top side of the string. Draw your observations of this pulse as it travels to the fixed end and back.
Wiggle the wrench to create a single pulse on the bottom side of the string. Draw your observations of this pulse at it travels to the fixed end and back.
Describe any similarities or differences between the two cases you have just observed.
Reduce the tension to “Low” and send another pulse. Describe the differences between this pulse and the previous one.
Change to “loose end” and repeat steps 3 and 4. Draw what you observe for this case.
Compare your observations of the loose end case to the fixed end case.
Change to “no end” and send a pulse down the string. Draw what you observe for this case.
Compare your observations of this case to the “loose end” case.
Challenge: See if you can figure out the speed of a wave pulse.
Hint: Try using the "rulers," "timer," and "slow motion."
Check your understanding using the Google Form below.
Update your Google Jamboard model with any new information that helps you explain the anchoring phenomenon.
How do the patterns in the simulation help us explain what you saw on the guitar strings?
What patterns did you observe in the video?
How are the patterns on the guitar strings similar to or different from patterns in the simulation?
What causes those patterns? What is your evidence?
This activity was created by Dr. Lori Andersen as part of a series of activities for high school physics.