Experiment 6

Aim:- To find the frequency of AC mains with a sonometer.

Apparatus:- A sonometer with non magnetic wire (brass wire) stretched over it , a
horseshoe magnet, a step-down transformer, slotted 1/2 kg weights hanger, two sharp edge
wedges, screw gauge and a weight box.

Diagram:-

Theory:-
The frequency of A.C mains is determined by formula for fundamental frequency of stretched
string which is given by:

Where,
n is the frequency of the A.C mains.
l = length of the sonometer wire between the two bridges when it is thrown into resonant
vibrations.
T = tension applied to the wire=Mg, ( here 𝑀 is the mass hung on the hanger)
m = mass per unit length of the wire= πr2ρ
r= radius of sonometer wire,
ρ= density sonometer wire material.

Observations:-
1. Least count of screw gauge (Pitch/Total no. of div.) =….………..m
2. Radius of wire(r) = ………. m
 3. Density of the material of the wire (𝜌 ) = 8587 kg/m3

Observation table:-

Calculations:-

1. m = mass per unit length of the wire= πr2ρ=............kg/m

2. Mean frequency of A.C mains (n) =.....................Hz

Result:-

Observed (Mean) value of frequency of A.C. (n) =…………………Hz

Precaution (any two): -

1. The distance between the two knives edges should be altered very slowly otherwise the
resonance point would be missed.
2. After taking each of the observations, the circuit should be switched off for a few minutes.

Sources of error (any two):-

1. AC frequency may not be stable.
2.Pulley may not be frictionless. Due to this, the value of tension acting on the wire is less
than that actually applied.

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