Physics SL
Physics SL
5
Chapters
329
Notes
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme D - Fields
Theme D - Fields
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
IB Resources
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Physics SL
Physics SL

Theme C - Wave Behaviour

Exploring Harmonics: Free & Fixed Ends of Vibrating Strings

Word Count Emoji
656 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Introduction

Harmonics? Standing waves? Let's rock & roll with strings and vibes! 🎸

Concept breakdown

🎈 Think of a child on a swing. If you push them at the right time (in sync with their motion), they swing higher. Similarly, when waves meet and reinforce each other, they make standing waves. If the waves are in sync, we get these cool patterns called harmonics.

One free end, one fixed end

🤔 But wait! How can a string have one end free? Imagine a Spiderman's web hanging vertically. The top end is attached, but the bottom end is free.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Fixed end = always a node (like a frozen spot, no movement).
  • Free end = always an antinode (like a party spot, maximum movement).

Real-life scenario: A guitar string! When you pluck it, one end is attached to the guitar (fixed), and the other end (where you pluck) vibrates freely (free end).

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IB Resources
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Physics SL
Physics SL

Theme C - Wave Behaviour

Exploring Harmonics: Free & Fixed Ends of Vibrating Strings

Word Count Emoji
656 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Introduction

Harmonics? Standing waves? Let's rock & roll with strings and vibes! 🎸

Concept breakdown

🎈 Think of a child on a swing. If you push them at the right time (in sync with their motion), they swing higher. Similarly, when waves meet and reinforce each other, they make standing waves. If the waves are in sync, we get these cool patterns called harmonics.

One free end, one fixed end

🤔 But wait! How can a string have one end free? Imagine a Spiderman's web hanging vertically. The top end is attached, but the bottom end is free.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Fixed end = always a node (like a frozen spot, no movement).
  • Free end = always an antinode (like a party spot, maximum movement).

Real-life scenario: A guitar string! When you pluck it, one end is attached to the guitar (fixed), and the other end (where you pluck) vibrates freely (free end).

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Physics SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

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