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- A. General Materials & Mathematics
- B. Statics
- C. Kinematics & Dynamics
- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
- F. Fluid Mechanics
- G. Vibrations & Mechanical Waves
- H. Sound
- I. Thermodynamics
- J. Electrostatics & Magnetostatics
- K. Electromagnetic Principles
- L. Geometrical Optics
- M. Wave Optics
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- P. Modern Physics
Standing Waves On A Soap Film
Purpose
To demonstrate standing waves in a circular membrane.
Equipment
Point source, soap film ring with soap solution, oscillator and speaker.
Setup Time
5 min
Images
Description
A circular wire loop holds a soap film which is positioned in front of a loudspeaker (the rectangular box to the right of the soap film). It is illuminated by a bright point source which casts a reflected pattern on the screen as shown in the photograph. A sine-wave oscillator attached to the speaker can be tuned to obtain various standing wave patterns, which are defined by the bright lines in the reflected light.
References
David T. Kagan and Louis J. Buchholtz, Demonstrations of normal modes on a bubble membrane, AJP 59, 376-377 (1991).
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See pagesg1. simple harmonic motion
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See pagesg2. resonance & coupled oscillations
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See pagesg3. mechanical waves one dimensional
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See pagesg4. mechanical waves two dimensional
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See pagesg1. simple harmonic motion
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See pagesg2. resonance & coupled oscillations
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See pagesg3. mechanical waves one dimensional
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See pagesg4. mechanical waves two dimensional