Effect Of Tension On Resonance And Amplitude :: Papers

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.