Relating Wavelength and Frequency

In this brief experiment, we attempted to generate a consistent sinusodial oscillating wave using a spring.  With this, our goal was to relate the wavelength to frequency

The Setup:

• Generate wavelengths of different sizes
• For each, identify how many cycles are completed in a given duration of time

Measurements and Calculations:

Interval A

A consistent wavelength of approximately 0.35 m was observed
for the first 3 seconds

It was observed that a fairly consistent wavelength was generated for the first 3 seconds in the video:

• At 10 cycles completed in 3 seconds, this yields a frequency of 3.33 cycles per second
• At 3.33 cycles per second, this yields a period, T, of 0.3 seconds per cycle
• A wave speed, v=wavelength*frequency, of approximately 1.2 m/s is calculated

Interval B

A consisten wavelength of approximately 0.48 m was observed
between 7 and 12 seconds

It was observed that a fairly consistent wavelength was generated for 5 seconds, between 7 and 12 seconds in the video:

• At 10 cycles completed in 5 seconds, this yields a frequency of 2 cycles per second
• At 2 cycles per second, this yields a period, T, of 0.5 seconds per cycle
• A wave speed, v=wavelength*frequency, of approximately 0.96 m/s is calculated

Results:

Based on the observations made for two series of consistent wave generation, we see that, with wave speeds nearly the same, wavelength and frequency are inversely proportionate; As wavelength increases, the frequency lessens, and vise versa.