Introduction

The group have chosen to delve into the captivating realm of mechanical waves,
focusing on the "Wave on a String" simulation. Mechanical waves are disturbances that
propagate through a medium, transferring energy as they travel. They are prevalent in
our everyday lives. Our chosen simulation, "Wave on a String," provides an interactive
platform to explore the behavior and characteristics of waves propagating along a
string. This simulation allows us to manipulate various parameters such as frequency,
amplitude, and tension to observe how they influence the properties and motion of the
waves.

Our first objective is to investigate the various factors that affect wave behavior in
the "Wave on a String" simulation, including amplitude, frequency, tension, resonance,
and damping. By manipulating these parameters and observing their impact on wave
characteristics such as speed, wavelength, amplitude, and energy, we aim to gain a
comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles governing waves on a string.
Another objective of our investigation is to comprehend the different types of waves that
can propagate on a string, including transverse waves, longitudinal waves, standing
waves, and traveling waves. By exploring the characteristics and behaviors of these
wave types within the 'Wave on a String' simulation, we aim to broaden our
understanding of the diverse nature of waves on a string.

Programming Language used

PHET
https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/wave-on-a-string/latest/wave-on-a-string_en.html
Expected output of the Simulation
The expected simulation will display a visual representation of waves
propagating along the string. It can observe the motion of the waves, their shapes, and
their interactions with boundaries or obstacles. It is also expected to explore the effects
of parameter changes on wave behavior and observe how different settings influence
wave characteristics. By creating multiple waves on the string, it can observe and
analyze interference patterns. Constructive interference leads to the amplification of
waves, while destructive interference causes cancellation or reduction in wave
amplitude. Last is the simulation that allows to introduce damping to the system, which
simulates the dissipation of wave energy over time. It can observe how damping affects
the amplitude and energy of the waves, providing insights into the behavior of waves in
real-world scenarios.
These expected outputs will enable this task to analyze and interpret wave
behavior, study the relationships between parameters and wave properties, and gain a
deeper understanding of the principles governing waves on a string.

Chosen Limits
When exploring waves on a string, it is important to acknowledge the specific
limits that exist, which restrict our investigation in certain ways. These limits define the
boundaries of our study and highlight areas where our exploration is constrained.
One of the limitations of the "Wave on a String" simulation from the PhET
website is that it does not provide the capability to create or visualize longitudinal waves
on the string, restricting the exploration of this specific type of wave behavior.
Similarly, the impact of tension on wave behavior also presents us with
limitations. Although we can manipulate the tension in the string to observe its effects
on wave speed, amplitude, and frequency, there are certain boundaries beyond which
our understanding becomes restricted. Extreme tension values pose challenges in
analyzing the relationship between tension and wave characteristics, as deviations from
linearity and other non-linear effects may arise.
Furthermore, investigating the behavior of waves on a string as the amplitude
increases or decreases is also subject to limitations. Pushing the limits of amplitude
allows us to observe the point at which the string reaches its maximum displacement
and identify any potential nonlinear effects. However, the specific boundaries of these
effects and the full extent of their behavior may remain elusive due to the inherent
limitations of our study.
Computations
Transverse Waves
Wave Speed (v): v = √(T/μ), where T is the tension in the string and μ is the linear mass
density of the string.
Standing Waves
Harmonic Frequencies: f_n = (n/2L) * v, where f_n is the frequency of the nth harmonic,
L is the length of the string, and v is the wave speed.
Traveling Waves
Wave Speed (v): The wave speed for traveling waves can be calculated using the same
formulas as for transverse or longitudinal waves, depending on the nature of the wave.

Results
Transverse Waves: In transverse waves, the particles of the medium (in this case, the
string) oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. As the wave travels
along the string, the particles move up and down or side to side. Examples of
transverse waves on a string include waves generated by plucking a guitar string or
waves produced by shaking a rope up and down.

Results:
Given:
 Amplitude=0.98 cmFrequency=3.00 Hz Damping=0Tension=200

Formula :v=
√ T
μ
, which isT isthe tension∧μ i s the linear mass

v=
√ T
μ

v=
√ 200
9.8 x 10
−3

1000 m
v= ∨142.8571
7 s

Standing Waves: Standing waves are formed when two waves of the same frequency
and amplitude traveling in opposite directions on the string interfere with each other.
This interference leads to the formation of nodes (points with no displacement) and
antinodes (points with maximum displacement) along the string. Standing waves have
specific patterns and frequencies called harmonic frequencies, and they are essential in
various musical instruments, such as stringed instruments.

Results:
Given:

Amplitude=0.60 cmFrequency=3.00 Hz Damping=0Wavelength=4.5 cm

Tension=200
n
Formula :f n =( )v , which is f n is the frequency of thenth harmonic , L isthe length∧¿
2L
 v is the wave speed

v=
√ T
μ

v=
√ 200
8.5 x 1 0
−3

m
v=153.3930
s
n
f n=( )v
2L
1
f 1=( )153.3930
2(4.5)
f 1=17.0437 Hz

Traveling Waves: Traveling waves are waves that propagate along the string without
reflection or interference. They can be either transverse or longitudinal waves,
depending on the direction of particle oscillation. When you pluck a string or create a
disturbance at one end, a traveling wave is generated and propagates along the string.

Results:
Given:
 Amplitude=0.60 cmFrequency=3.00 Hz Damping=0Tension=199

Formula :Since Traveling waves can be calculated as Transverse waves , v=

√ T
μ
,

which is T is thetension∧μ i s thelinear mass

v=
√ T
μ

v=
√ 199
8.7 x 10
−3

m
v=151.2401
s
Discussion
Our Flowchart Execution: The flowchart we designed for the investigation of
mechanical waves, specifically focusing on the "Wave on a String" simulation from
PhET, was executed successfully. The steps outlined in the flowchart provided a clear
and systematic approach to utilizing the simulation and exploring various aspects of
wave behavior. By following the flowchart, we were able to create and analyze different
types of waves, including transverse waves and standing waves. The simulation proved
to be a valuable tool in visualizing wave phenomena and understanding their
characteristics. The flowchart served as a guide, ensuring that we covered all the
necessary steps and objectives outlined in our investigation.

The simulation lets us see and change waves, helping us understand their
amplitude, frequency, wavelength, and speed. By experimenting with different settings,
we learn how these properties affect the wave patterns. With the simulation, we can
create multiple waves and see how they interact, forming beautiful patterns. We can
also experiment with different boundaries, like fixed or free ends, to understand how
waves behave when they encounter obstacles. By studying transverse and standing
waves on the string, we can compare their characteristics. The simulation helps us see
the differences and relate them to real-life examples. The "Wave on a String" simulation
is a fantastic tool for understanding waves. Through visualization, exploration of
interference and boundaries, and comparing wave types, we can easily grasp the
concepts and enjoy the wonders of waves. Let's dive in and explore the fascinating
world of waves together!

The "Wave on a String" simulation is a valuable educational tool, but there are
areas where it can be improved. One suggestion is to add longitudinal waves to the
simulation, in addition to the current focus on transverse waves. This would provide a
more comprehensive exploration of wave phenomena. Interactive measurement tools,
such as rulers or protractors, could be integrated into the simulation to allow users to
quantitatively analyze wave properties. Customizable material properties, such as
density or elasticity, could be included to help students understand how different
materials affect wave behavior. Additionally, enhanced wave display options, such as
color-coded representations of wave amplitude or energy, would improve the user
experience and aid in understanding the complexities of wave propagation.
Implementing these improvements would enrich the simulation, offering a more
comprehensive exploration of mechanical waves and enhancing the learning
experience for students.

In conclusion, our investigation using the "Wave on a String" simulation based on

our flowchart was successfully executed. The simulation proved to be a valuable tool for
visualizing and understanding mechanical waves. It can be utilized for various
applications in physics education, including visualizing wave properties, exploring
interference phenomena, investigating boundary conditions.