Sonometer
THE SONOMETER
AIM:
The aim of this experiment is to investigate the connection between the tension, length and frequency of a stretched wire.
YOU WILL NEED:
A sonometer and wires, a set of slotted masses, a ruler, a Newton meter, a set of tuning forks
WHAT TO DO:
Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram.
Two experiments should be performed:
(i) variation of frequency (f) with tension (T)
(keeping the length constant).
(ii) variation of frequency with length (L)
(keeping the tension constant)
The frequency should be found by using a series of tuning forks resting on the body of the sonometer.
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE WIRES -THEY CAN BE BROKEN.
ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Two graphs should be plotted:
(i) frequency against the square root of the tension (T) and
(ii) frequency against 1/L
THEORY:
The equation for the frequency of a stretched string is:
Frequency (f) = 1/(2L) x √(T/m)
Safety spectacles should be worn when your eyes are close to the wire in case the wire snaps.
This sheet is for the teacher and technician only
Apparatus required: Ruler
Sonometer
Slotted masses
Newton meter (0 – 20N)
Set of tuning forks
Comments on the experiment:
A fairly quiet laboratory is needed for this experiment and the students need to be able to match the sound of the sonometer to that of the tuning fork quite accurately.
The danger to the eyes of snapping wires should be emphasised.
The photographic images are the copyright of Philip Harris Education and no part of them may be reproduced, photocopied or stored in any data retrieval system without permission.
AIM:
The aim of this experiment is to investigate the connection between the tension, length and frequency of a stretched wire.
YOU WILL NEED:
A sonometer and wires, a set of slotted masses, a ruler, a Newton meter, a set of tuning forks
WHAT TO DO:
Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram.
Two experiments should be performed:
(i) variation of frequency (f) with tension (T)
(keeping the length constant).
(ii) variation of frequency with length (L)
(keeping the tension constant)
The frequency should be found by using a series of tuning forks resting on the body of the sonometer.
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE WIRES -THEY CAN BE BROKEN.
ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Two graphs should be plotted:
(i) frequency against the square root of the tension (T) and
(ii) frequency against 1/L
THEORY:
The equation for the frequency of a stretched string is:
Frequency (f) = 1/(2L) x √(T/m)
Safety spectacles should be worn when your eyes are close to the wire in case the wire snaps.
This sheet is for the teacher and technician only
Apparatus required: Ruler
Sonometer
Slotted masses
Newton meter (0 – 20N)
Set of tuning forks
Comments on the experiment:
A fairly quiet laboratory is needed for this experiment and the students need to be able to match the sound of the sonometer to that of the tuning fork quite accurately.
The danger to the eyes of snapping wires should be emphasised.
The photographic images are the copyright of Philip Harris Education and no part of them may be reproduced, photocopied or stored in any data retrieval system without permission.