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Why are the shapes of waves on guitar strings different?
Why are the shapes of waves on guitar strings different?
We are going to examine the factors that affect the shapes of waves on guitar strings using the simulation.
Change to “oscillate” to produce a continuous stream of pulses. Check the “rulers” box and the “timer” box.
Do not change the amplitude or tension settings during this experiment.
Use the ruler to measure the wavelength of your wave (the distance from crest to crest).
Leave the damping setting at zero.
For five different frequencies, measure the wavelength of the wave produced. Record the frequencies and wavelengths in a table on the google doc.
Use the Google Sheet to create graphs for your data.
Vocabulary. Frequency is how many vibrations or oscillations per second. Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive identical parts of a wave. For example, the wavelength is the horizontal distance from one crest to the next crest or from one trough to the next trough.
Scientists use the practice of Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking to analyze, represent, and model data. Scientists use mathematical representations of phenomena to support claims and/or explanations. You will use Google Sheets to analyze, represent, and model the data you gathered from the simulation.
Scientists use mathematical representations to identify patterns.
5. Wave speed is calculated by multiplying frequency and wavelength (v = f λ). Calculate the wave speed for each pair of frequencies and wavelengths.
6. What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength? Create a graph of wavelength vs. frequency. Find an algebraic relationship (equation) that relates wavelength and frequency using the trendline function. Insert a screenshot of your graph and its fit equation into the Google Doc.
7. What is the relationship between wave speed and frequency? Create a graph of wave speed vs. frequency. Find an algebraic relationship (equation) that relates wavelength and frequency using the trendline function. Make a claim about how frequency affects wave speed. Insert a screenshot of your graph and its fit equation into the Google Doc.
8. What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength? Create a graph of wavelength vs. frequency. Find an algebraic relationship (equation) that relates wavelength and frequency using the trendline function. Make a claim about how frequency affects wavelength. Insert a screenshot of your graph and its fit equation into the Google Doc.
9. Repeat this experiment for a different amplitude and the same tension used previously. Summarize your results. Make a claim about how amplitude affects wave speed based on your data. Insert a screenshot of your graph and its trend line into the Google Doc.
This activity was created by Dr. Lori Andersen as part of a series of activities for high school physics.
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