Physics Paper 2 WASSCE (PC), 2019

Question 10

 

  1. List two factors that affect the frequency of a vibrating stretched string.

    1. Image The diagram above illustrates a sonometer. Identify each of the parts labelled P and Q.
    2. State two functions of a sonometer.

  2. Explain each of the following terms:
    1. fundamental note;
    2. overtones;
    3. harmonics.

  3. A sonometer wire of length l vibrates at a frequency f 350 Hz. When the length of the wire is increased by 15 cm, the wire vibrates at 280 Hz under constant tension. Determine l.

Observation

The expected answer is:


  1. Factors that affect the frequency of vibrating stretched strings
    • Length of the string
    • Tension in the string
    • Mass per unit length of the string
    1. Identification of labelled parts on sonometer
      P - Pulley
      Q - Bridges
    2. Functions of a sonometer
      Used to
      • determine the frequency of tuning forks
      • verify the laws of vibrating strings
      • measure the frequency of an a.c. supply
  2. Explanation of terms
    1. Fundamental note - the sound of lowest frequency or pitch
    2. Overtone - a note of frequency higher than the fundamental frequency of sound.
    3. Harmonics - notes which are produced by multiples of the fundamental frequency.

  3. Harmonics - notes which are produced by multiples of the fundamental frequency.