Why Does the Pulley Section Lack a Standing Wave in the String Experiment?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the absence of a standing wave in the segment of the string between the pulley and the mass hanger in a physics experiment. Participants conclude that the pulley acts as a fixed node, preventing oscillation and effectively deadening the vibrations in that section of the string. The size of the pulley is significant; a smaller pulley would allow for continued vibration, but the current size dampens the oscillations. This understanding is crucial for analyzing wave behavior in mechanical systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of standing waves and nodes in wave mechanics
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts related to oscillation
  • Knowledge of the properties of pulleys and their impact on tension in strings
  • Experience with experimental setups in physics labs
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the principles of wave mechanics in more depth
  • Investigate the effects of different pulley sizes on wave propagation
  • Learn about damping effects in mechanical systems
  • Review experimental techniques for observing standing waves
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding wave behavior in mechanical systems will benefit from this discussion.

ghostcloak
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Here's one for you guys. I've done some research and I couldn't find an exact answer to my question...

In the experiment shown here:

http://www.itc.csmd.edu/mth/ahouser/PHY1010/labs/Lab10StandingWaves.pdf

Why is there no standing wave on the segment of the string between the pulley and the mass hanger? I'm guessing it's because the pulley is a fixed node that cannot oscillate? Is there more to it than this?
 
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Yes I believe that the pulley deadens the vibration at that point. Even though it is at a node, and would continue vibration if the pulley was very very small, I think it is big enough to deaden the string that is wrapping around it.
 

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