The following is the script that I used for recording the video above for our e-learning day. I’m posting it here as I can edit it easily via wordpress’s mobile app, and because I have LaTeX enabled here.
Aim:
The aim of this planning question is to investigate how the resonant frequency of a wire vibrating in its fundamental mode depends on the tension in the wire.
The independent variable is the tension in the string which can be varied by hanging masses at one end of the wire and dangling that end over the edge of a table on a pulley. The tension is represented by the symbol.
The dependent variable is the resonant frequency of the fundamental mode in the wire. The fundamental mode consists of two nodes at both ends of the wire and one antinode in the middle.
In other words, in our experiment, we shall vary tension and measure the resonant frequency of the fundamental mode.
The length of wire between the supports is kept constant throughout the experiment and we shall use the same wire throughout so that the mass per unit length is kept constant.
Procedure:
The experiment will be set up according to this diagram. One end of the wire is first tied to a fixed object. The other end is hanging over a pulley clamped on the edge of the laboratory table and tied to a mass hanger. To control the length of the wire, place a bridge at each end. Only the length of the wire between the two bridges will be vibrating. We shall keep this length constant for the whole experiment.
Record the mass of the mass hanger m and determine its weight. The weight mg is taken to be equal to the tension T on the string.
A uniform horizontal magnetic field is generated by a pair of large electromagnetic coils on both sides of the wire. The wire is connected on both ends to a function generator. An alternating current is produced by the function generator and its frequency can be varied using the same apparatus. The function generator should have a display that enables us to read the frequency.
The resulting magnetic force acting on the wire will be driving the oscillation of the wire at the frequency shown on the function generator. By adjusting the frequency of the alternating current until the fundamental mode of a standing wave is formed on the wire, we can record the resonant frequency fo for the corresponding tension T.
We shall repeat the experiment for different values of m by adding known amounts of mass (e.g. 50 g increments each time) onto the mass hanger. All the values for the mass m and resonant frequency for the fundamental modes fo should be recorded and tabulated.
The tension in the wire is then calculated using the equation T = mg.
Assume that the resonant frequency for the fundamental mode fo and the tension T follows the equation fo = kTn where k and n are constants. Then lg fo = lg k + n lg T. Plotting a graph of lg fo versus lg T, we can conclude that the assumption is correct if a linear relationship is observed and we can obtain the values of n and k from the gradient and the vertical intercept of the graph respectively.
As a safety consideration, the person conducting the experiment should wear goggles as the wire at high tension might suddenly snap or come loose. Always handle power supply with care.
As a precaution to improve reliabiliy, we can place a white card behind the vibrating wire so it can be seen easily. To make sure that the weight of each of the slotted masses is as indicated, measure them on a weighing balance. FInally, ensure that the pulley is smooth by measuring the tension in the wire using a force meter to check that it is indeed equal to the weight of the slotted mass.