Writing about a simple physics lab

[sayetsu]

TL;DR Summary

What would the results be? What would they illustrate?

One of my novel's leads is a physics student. In the following lab:

Procedure

1. Measure the length and mass of one string and calculate the linear mass density (mass/length), μ. Clamp the vibrator to the ring stand and the pulley to the desk and attach the string to the vibrator through the hole in the metal strip. Tie a knot in the string to prevent it from sliding out. Run the string from the vibrator over the pulley and tie a loop in the free end. Measure the length of the string between the vibrator and the pulley.

2. With only the weight holder to provide tension, turn the vibrator on. Increase the tension on the string by pushing down on the weight holder with your finger. You will find that at a particular tension the string will make a stable vibration with one or two loops. Estimate the force you are applying with your finger, and place an equivalent weight on the holder. Carefully adjust the tension to get the maximum amplitude. When you have reached the maximum amplitude either increasing or decreasing the force should decrease the amplitude of the vibration. Record the weight and the total number of loops obtained over the length of the string. Measure the distance between two successive nodes in the vibration. The loop nearest the vibrator is not well defined. Do not use it for measurements.

3. Change the tension to give at least four different numbers of loops and repeat the measurements. 4. Repeat all measurements for the second string of a different linear mass density.

what would students learn about waves? What kind of measurement results would they get (not specific numbers, but, for instance, proportions of node lengths to rope lengths)?

 

[kuruman]

Do some web research on "Standing Waves Experiment". You will get plenty of ideas including videos.

 

[sayetsu]

Thanks. I found something.

 

[Mister T]

Students can calculate the wave speed two ways and compare. One is $f \lambda$ and $\sqrt{\frac{F}{\mu}}$ is the other.