Phase velocity of rope waves

Project Description

Principle

A quadrangular rubber rope is inserted through the demonstration motor and a linear polarised fixed wave is generated. With the help of a stroboscope, the frequency and the wave length are determined. Then the phase velocity of ropewaves with a fixed tensile stress is ascertained. Subsequently, the mathematical relationship between the phase velocity of the rope and the tensile on the rope is examined.

Benefits

  • Difficult physics of phase velocity presented in a simple way
  • High-precision results thanks to use of special rope and stroboscope
  • Large and easy to see wave crests and troughs

Tasks

  1. With constant tensile stress, the frequency f, which depends on the wavelength λ of the wave that propagates itself along the rope. The frequency is plotted as a function of 1/λ. From this graph, the phase velocity c is determined.
  2. The phase velocity c of the rope waves, which depends on the tensile stress on the rope is to be measured. The quadrant of the phase velocity is plotted as a function of tensile stress.

What you can learn about

  • Wavelength
  • Phase velocity
  • Group velocity
  • Wave equation
  • Harmonic wave

Project Details