Effect Of Tension On Resonance And Amplitude

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Effect Of Tension On Resonance And Amplitude

PLANNING

Aim

The aim of the experiment is to investigate the effect of tension on

resonance and amplitude of a string.

Basis Personal Knowledge

This experiment is based on the resonance, frequency and amplitude.

From what I have learnt in class and everyday life, I know that when a

string of any kind is plucked, it moves to and fro. The movement

causes the air molecules around it to vibrate. When it moves fast

enough, the vibrations cause a sound to be heard.

Research

Some research was carried out into the principles on which the

experiment is based.

The frequency of an oscillation is defined as the number of cycles

executed per unit time (Salters Horners Advanced Physics)

That is for a spring the time taken for it to move to and fro once is

its frequency. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).

Each object has its own natural frequency. (Physics For You by Keith

Johnson). Resonance occurs when the applied frequency equals the

natural frequency of the object.

Therefore when the string to be used in the experiment is plucked and

the applied frequency equals its natural frequency then resonance

occurs.

The resonant frequency of a string can be increased by:

* Shortening the length

* Increasing the tension

* Using a lighter string

Variables and Constants

The experiment is basically concerned with the effect that the tension

will have on the frequency and amplitude. Therefore, the basic

variable will be the tension of the string. The constant in this case

would be the thickness of the string, as it will not be changed. This

should ensure that the experiment is fairly accurate as its thickness

can affect the resonance.

Application of Principles

The principles of frequency, resonance and amplitude are largely

applied in many engineering projects.

The understanding of the above principle is vital to ensure that

bridges are safe to travel on.

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