A string is pulled taut horizontally between the fixed points A and B. A vibrator makes the string oscillate and generates a visible stationary wave. At one moment, the moving string is straight, as shown in Fig. 5.1. The dots on the diagram show the positions of the nodes on the string. Point P on the string is moving downwards. The wave on the string has a speed of $35\,\text{m s}^{-1}$ and a period of $0.040\,\text{s}$.
(a)[2]
Explain how the stationary wave is produced on the string.
(b)[1]
On Fig. 5.1, sketch a line to represent a possible later position of the string one quarter of a cycle after the one shown in the diagram.
(c)[3]
Calculate the horizontal separation between A and B.
(d)[2]
At time $t = 0$, a particle on the string has zero displacement. From $t = 0$ to $t = 0.060\,\text{s}$, the particle moves a total distance of $72\,\text{mm}$. Calculate the amplitude of oscillation of the particle.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “waves move along string and reflect from fixed end” …