Date | May 2021 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 21M.2.SL.TZ1.6 |
Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 2 | Time zone | 1 |
Command term | Outline | Question number | 6 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
On a guitar, the strings played vibrate between two fixed points. The frequency of vibration is modified by changing the string length using a finger. The different strings have different wave speeds. When a string is plucked, a standing wave forms between the bridge and the finger.
The string is displaced 0.4 cm at point P to sound the guitar. Point P on the string vibrates with simple harmonic motion (shm) in its first harmonic with a frequency of 195 Hz. The sounding length of the string is 62 cm.
Outline how a standing wave is produced on the string.
Show that the speed of the wave on the string is about 240 m s−1.
Sketch a graph to show how the acceleration of point P varies with its displacement from the rest position.
Markscheme
«travelling» wave moves along the length of the string and reflects «at fixed end» ✓
superposition/interference of incident and reflected waves ✓
the superposition of the reflections is reinforced only for certain wavelengths ✓
✓
✓
Answer must be to 3 or more sf or working shown for MP2.
straight line through origin with negative gradient ✓