Waves & OpticsIntermediate
Standing Waves
Study standing waves on a cord produced by the interference of two opposite traveling waves. Explore resonant vibration modes, fundamental frequencies, and the locations of nodes and antinodes.
Duration: 90 min
7 Topics
Standing WavesResonanceFrequencyNodesAntinodesHarmonicsWave Propagation
Lab Details
Title: LAB 2.: Standing Waves
Course: PHYS 253 - Waves, Optics & Quantum Physics
Institution: SMU, MedTech, Mediterranean Institute of Technology
Term: Spring 2024 / 2021/2022
Learning Objectives
- Measure wave propagation velocity on a cord
- Determine resonant frequencies and harmonics
- Identify and compare positions of nodes and antinodes
- Analyze effects of tension and damping on standing waves
Interactive Simulation
Powered by MedTech Virtual Labs
Lab Assessment
Complete the following questions based on your observations from the simulation.
1
Measure Wave Propagation Velocity
Exercise 1Open-ended / Calculation
Measure the velocity of wave propagation on the cord.
Measure Wave Propagation Velocity
*(5 points)Measure the velocity of wave propagation on the cord.
Report your measured value and show the calculation steps used.
2
Determine Fundamental Resonant Frequency
Exercise 2Open-ended / Calculation
Determine the fundamental resonant frequency related to cord vibration.
Determine Fundamental Resonant Frequency
*(5 points)Determine the fundamental resonant frequency related to cord vibration.
Provide the formula used and the final computed frequency.
3
Fundamental Mode Screenshot
Exercise 3Screenshot / Image Upload
Set frequency to the fundamental mode, restart, wait ~15s, and capture the vibration.
Fundamental Mode Screenshot
*(5 points)Set frequency to the fundamental mode, restart, wait ~15s, and capture the vibration.
Attach/submit your screenshot reference and briefly describe the observed pattern.
4
Nodes and Antinodes (Fundamental)
Exercise 4Open-ended / Measurement
Measure positions of nodes and antinodes for the fundamental mode.
Nodes and Antinodes (Fundamental)
*(5 points)Measure positions of nodes and antinodes for the fundamental mode.
List measured positions and include units.
5
Second Harmonic Frequency
Exercise 5Open-ended / Calculation
Calculate the frequency of the second harmonic.
Second Harmonic Frequency
*(5 points)Calculate the frequency of the second harmonic.
Show derivation from the fundamental mode.
6
Second Harmonic Screenshot
Exercise 6Screenshot / Image Upload
Set frequency to second harmonic, restart, wait ~15s, and capture vibration.
Second Harmonic Screenshot
*(5 points)Set frequency to second harmonic, restart, wait ~15s, and capture vibration.
Attach/submit screenshot reference and annotate key features.
7
Nodes and Antinodes (Second Harmonic)
Exercise 7Open-ended / Measurement
Measure positions of nodes and antinodes for second harmonic.
Nodes and Antinodes (Second Harmonic)
*(5 points)Measure positions of nodes and antinodes for second harmonic.
Provide measured values with units.
8
Harmonic Identification at 0.24 Hz
Exercise 8Screenshot & Open-ended
Set frequency to 0.24 Hz, restart, wait ~15s, screenshot vibration, and identify harmonic order.
Harmonic Identification at 0.24 Hz
*(6 points)Set frequency to 0.24 Hz, restart, wait ~15s, screenshot vibration, and identify harmonic order.
Submit screenshot reference and explain how you identified the harmonic.
9
Nodes and Antinodes (0.24 Hz)
Exercise 9Open-ended / Measurement
Measure positions of nodes and antinodes at 0.24 Hz.
Nodes and Antinodes (0.24 Hz)
*(4 points)Measure positions of nodes and antinodes at 0.24 Hz.
Provide full measured table/list with units.
10
6th Harmonic Schematic
Exercise 10Drawing / Image Upload
Draw a schematic of the cord vibrating at the 6th harmonic.
6th Harmonic Schematic
*(6 points)Draw a schematic of the cord vibrating at the 6th harmonic.
Attach drawing reference and explain marked nodes/antinodes.
11
Calculated Node Positions at 6th Harmonic
Exercise 11Open-ended / Calculation
Determine node positions by calculation at the 6th harmonic.
Calculated Node Positions at 6th Harmonic
*(6 points)Determine node positions by calculation at the 6th harmonic.
Show equations and all computed positions.
12
6th Harmonic Screenshot
Exercise 12Screenshot / Image Upload
Set frequency to 6th harmonic, restart, wait ~15s, and capture vibration.
6th Harmonic Screenshot
*(5 points)Set frequency to 6th harmonic, restart, wait ~15s, and capture vibration.
Submit screenshot reference and short interpretation.
13
Measured vs Calculated Node/Antinode Positions
Exercise 13Open-ended / Measurement & Comparison
Measure positions of nodes/antinodes and compare with calculated values.
Measured vs Calculated Node/Antinode Positions
*(7 points)Measure positions of nodes/antinodes and compare with calculated values.
Present comparison and discuss discrepancies.
14
Effect of High Tension on Wave Speed
Exercise 14Open-ended / Measurement & Explanation
Set tension to High and measure wave speed again. Compare with previous value.
Effect of High Tension on Wave Speed
*(5 points)Set tension to High and measure wave speed again. Compare with previous value.
State whether values match and justify physically.
15
Effect of Tension on Resonant Frequencies
Exercise 15Open-ended / Explanation
Determine whether resonant frequencies are the same under Low and High tension.
Effect of Tension on Resonant Frequencies
*(5 points)Determine whether resonant frequencies are the same under Low and High tension.
Explain your reasoning using observations and formulas.
16
Effect of Damping (Lots)
Exercise 16Open-ended / Explanation
Set damping level to Lots. Determine whether standing waves are still observable.
Effect of Damping (Lots)
*(5 points)Set damping level to Lots. Determine whether standing waves are still observable.
Describe observed behavior and explain why.
17
Conclusion
ConclusionOpen-ended
Summarize conclusions from the standing waves investigation.
Conclusion
*(7 points)Summarize conclusions from the standing waves investigation.
Provide a concise conclusion covering resonance, harmonics, and damping/tension impacts.
Lab Instructions
1
Explore the Interface
Familiarize yourself with the simulation controls and available parameters.
2
Experiment with Variables
Modify different parameters and observe how they affect the system behavior.
3
Record Observations
Take note of patterns, relationships, and any unexpected results.
4
Test Your Understanding
Try to predict outcomes before running experiments to test your comprehension.
Tips for Success
Start Simple
Begin with basic scenarios before exploring more complex situations.
Take Notes
Document your findings and any questions that arise during experimentation.
Repeat Experiments
Don't hesitate to repeat experiments with different parameters to verify results.
Ask Questions
Use unexpected results as learning opportunities to deepen your understanding.