Edexcel A-Level Physics Speed of a Transverse Wave on a String

Practise Edexcel A-Level Physics transverse wave speed on strings through tension, mass per unit length, fundamental frequency, graph gradients and violin-string contexts.

Exam points

use v=√(T/μ) with string tension and mass per unit length to calculate wave speed
combine λ=2L and v=fλ to find fundamental frequency or identify a string
relate tension and frequency using T proportional to f² for the same standing-wave mode

[Maximum number: 3]

A student investigated how the frequency of vibration of a string varies with the tension in the string. The student connected masses to one end of the string and attached the other end to a vibrator as shown.

Figure for Question 2.3.42 - Speed of a transverse wave on a string question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Physics AS

A signal generator was connected to the vibrator. The signal generator was adjusted until a stationary wave was produced on the string. The stationary wave had nodes at both ends of the vibrating length of the string, L, and an antinode in the middle.

When W is $80.0 \mathrm{~N}, f$ is 659 Hz.

Calculate the mass per unit length of the string.
length $L=0.328 \mathrm{~m}$
(3)

Mass per unit length =

All question bank results loaded

2.3.42 - Speed of a transverse wave on a string question 1