Waves on a string: What does speed depend on?

For a wave with frequency f and wavelength ƛ, the speed of the wave can be determined by:

𝑣 = λ𝑓

This is true for any wave, but the question of what speed actually depends on is slightly
different. Today we will investigate this question for waves on a string.

Set-up

Find the simulation here:

https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/wave-on-a-string/latest/wave-on-a-string_en.html

You will need to adjust a few things for the best results in this activity:

- In the top left corner, you have the option for “manual,” “oscillate,” and “pulse.” Choose
“oscillate” - this will generate a continuous set of waves.
- In the top right corner, you have the options for “fixed end,” “loose end,” and “no end.”
Choose “no end.”
- In the bottom right corner, turn on the options for ruler and stopwatch.

Changing variables

You have the option to change the following variables:

Amplitude: set a specific value in centimeters

Frequency: set a specific value in Hz
Damping: You can set it on a ten-point scale between “none” and “lots.”
Tension: You can set it on a three-point scale between “low” and “high.”

As with any experiment, real or simulated, you should only change one variable at a time, while
keeping the others fixed.

As you change each variable, the things you can actually measure and calculate will be the
same:

Wavelength: the easiest way to do this would be to pause the simulation and use the ruler to
measure the distance between wave peaks. (Make sure to convert to meters).
Speed: simply multiply the wavelength you measured with the frequency.

For each of the following, make sure to record the fixed values as well as the values you are
changing.
Changing amplitude

After selecting fixed frequency, damping, and tension values, choose three different amplitude
values. Measure the wavelength and calculate the speed as a result.

Fixed frequency value (Hz) Fixed damping value Fixed tension value (low,
(0 or “none,” to 10 or “lots”) medium, or high)

2.00 Hz 4 High

Amplitude (cm) Wavelength (m) Speed (m/s)

0.75 0.03 cm 0.0225

1.00 0.031cm 0.031

1.25 0.032cm 0.04

Changing frequency

After selecting fixed amplitude, damping, and tension values, choose three different frequency
values. Measure the wavelength and calculate the speed as a result.

Fixed amplitude value (cm) Fixed damping value Fixed tension value (low,
(0 or “none,” to 10 or “lots”) medium, or high)

0.75 0 Low

Frequency (Hz) Wavelength (m) Speed (m/s)

2.00 0.006 0.012

1.75 0.008 0.014

1.50 0.009 0.0135

Changing damping

After selecting fixed amplitude, frequency, and tension values, choose three different damping
values. Measure the wavelength and calculate the speed as a result.
 Fixed amplitude value (cm) Fixed frequency value (Hz) Fixed tension value (low,
medium, or high)

0.75 1.5 Medium

Damping (0, or “none,” to 10 Wavelength (m) Speed (m/s)

or “lots”)

0 0.025 0.0375

2 0.026 0.039

4 0.026 0.039

Changing tension

After selecting fixed amplitude, frequency, and damping values, choose three different tension
values. Measure the wavelength and calculate the speed as a result.

Fixed amplitude value (cm) Fixed frequency value (Hz) Fixed damping value
(0 or “none,” to 10 or “lots”)

1.00 2.00 5

Tension (low, medium, or Wavelength (m) Speed (m/s)

high)

Low 0.007 0.014

Medium 0.019 0.038

High 0.032 0.064

Wrap up

1. Based on your investigations, which variable has the greatest effect on the speed of the
wave?
Tension has the greatest effect on the speed of the wave.
2. Did any variable appear to have NO effect on the speed? If so, which one(s)?
Damping showed very little to no effect on the speed of the wave.
 3. By increasing the frequency on a wave, what happens to the wavelength? What would
happen if you were to increase the wavelength? (This isn’t doable on this simulation, but
you can still answer based on what you’ve learned).

increasing the frequency on a wave decreases the speed of the wave. You would have to
decrease the frequency and increase the aptitude to increase the wavelength.