Standing waves
Fix both ends of a string and bring out its nodes and antinodes.
A string fixed at both ends forms stable standing waves only at particular frequencies. The nth harmonic has n antinodes and a wavelength of 2L/n. Increasing the tension raises the wave speed and all the resonant frequencies, while lengthening the string lowers the frequencies.
Displacement vs. position on string
The curve is the string's shape at this instant; the displacement at the nodes is always zero.
Think about it
With the string length and tension unchanged, how do the frequency and wavelength change when switching from the fundamental to harmonic 2?
The frequency becomes 2 times as high and the wavelength is halved. Harmonic 2 shows two antinodes and one interior node.
Model assumptionsIdeal flexible string · Both ends fixed · Linear density μ = 0.020 kg/m · No damping · Amplitude normalized for illustration
Data log
Set the parameters and click “Record data”. Record several rows with different parameters to plot their relationship and fit a straight line; pause and record at different times to study how a reading changes with time.