Waves on a String
Key Stage 4
Meaning
A wave on a string is a transverse wave that passes along a length of string, wire or cable.
About Waves on a String
- A wave on a string is a mechanical wave.
- A wave on a string is transverse because the oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the wave.
- Waves on a string, like all waves, carry energy and information but they do not transfer mass from one location to another.
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| Waves on a string can be observed using the equipment shown in the diagram. If the oscillator is set to a known frequency the wavelength can be measured with a ruler and this can be used to find the wave speed. |