Transverse Standing Waves on a String
Demonstration of several fundamental modes of standing waves on a string with fixed ends. A DC motor, driven by a sine wave generator, sends a traveling wave of a set frequency along the string. When the wave reflects at the end of the string, interference creates a standing wave. By setting the appropriate driving frequencies, we successively excite individual low modes of standing waves.
Apparatus for exciting standing waves. The force gauge allows us to set a controlled tension in the string.
Excited fundamental (first) mode.
Excited second mode.
Excited second mode in detail.
Excited third mode in detail.
Excited fourth mode in detail.
Excited fifth mode in detail.
Excited sixth mode in detail.