Key learning points

1. To find standing wave frequencies, increase the frequency of the oscillator until a standing wave pattern is seen.
2. The wavelength of the waves can be found from the length of the oscillating string and the standing wave pattern
3. The speed of waves on a string only depends on the properties of the wave medium (the string).
4. For waves on a string, frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional
5. Control variables are the quantities that must be kept the same during experiments so they don’t affect results.

Common misconception

Keywords

• Standing wave - A standing wave is a stable pattern of oscillation that does not appear to travel across a wave medium.

• Tension - Tension is the name for the force applied to a stretched string or rope. Without any tension a string or rope would be slack.

• Inverse - Division is the mathematical inverse (opposite) of multiplication, so the inverse of ×2 is ÷2 (which can also be written as ×½).

• Proportion - A proportion is an exact mathematical comparison, such as double, half (50%), triple, a third, quadruple, a quarter etc.

• Control variable - Control variables are the quantities that must be kept the same during experiments so they don’t affect results.