Question

To determine the velocity of a pulse propagated through a stretched string ?​

Answer 1

Aim

• To determine the velocity of a pulse propagated through a stretched string/slinky.

Procedure

• Mark a Point P on the floor of a long corridor.
• From point P measure the distance of 1 m with the help of metre scale, mark this point as Q.
• Allow one student to hold one end of slinky at point P.
• Let another student stretch the slinky and bring it at point Q.
• Let third student hold the stopwatch.
• The student who has stretched the slinky will stretch it beyond point Q and then give a sharp push towards point Q. The push should stop at point Q.
• A pulse is produced in the slinky which travels towards the point P and it gets reflected backtowards point Q.
• Record the time from push at Q to the pulse travelling towards P and back at Q.
• Follow the above procedure 56 times and record your observation
• Calculate the velocity of pulse by the formula

Result

• The velocity of pulse = ____ m/s.

Precautions

• Slinky used should be of good quality.
• Accurately measure the distance and time.
• The push at the end should be forceful to see the pulse and get the reflected wave back.
• Slinky should not have any knot.