Internal assessment example 2: Tension and frequency

How does the tension in a string

affect the fundamental frequency of that string?
The fundamental frequency of a string is very important
for musical instruments. Varying the fundamental
frequency of a string is what changes the sound it
produces, which is what enables us to create music. As Commented [A1]: Research design: This
someone who plays musical instruments, I thought it sentence does not aid the context.
would be interesting to see what factors affect it. We've
learnt about tension and about harmonics separately in
the course, and I thought it would be good to explore
how the two were linked.

There are many factors that affect the fundamental frequency of a string, like the mass per unit length of
the string, the length, and the tension. As someone who's just started learning how to play the guitar, I
noticed how guitar strings get tightened to change the sound they make, which is changing the
tension to change the fundamental frequency. Therefore, the aim of this investigation is to see how
changing the tension in a string affects the fundamental frequency of the string. Commented [A2]: Research design: The
research question is clearly understood. Perhaps
Background Information it would be better to say the aim was to confirm
the known theory relating tension and frequency.
The mass per unit length (letter ) of a string is represented as Also, the first two paragraphs could be reduced to
several sentences.
m Commented [A3]: Research design: This is
 appropriate and focused context. Theory is nicely
L
explained.
where m is the mass of the string in kilograms and L is the length of the string in metres.

The velocity v of a wave on a string of a given tension T in newtons and a mass per unit length in
kilograms per meter can be show with the following formula:

T
vwave on string 


The fundamental frequency of a string is

v
f1 
2L

Therefore, combining the two equations, the fundamental frequency of a string can be related to the mass
per unit length, length, and tension with the following formula:

T
m/L
f1 
2L

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 Internal assessment example 2: Tension and frequency

Rearranging this there is also the expression relating frequency and tension: Commented [A4]: Research design: A clear
derivation.
T T
  1
f1   f12   f12  T
2L 4L2 4L2 

Therefore we should expect to see a directly proportional relationship between the tension on the string Commented [A5]: Research design: The
and the square of the frequency. A graph of this would show a gradient of the constant 14𝐿𝐿� 𝜌𝜌. candidate’s intention for the investigation is
explained.
Independent Variable Commented [A6]: Research design: A good
point.
The independent variable will be the tension of the string. It will be varied by hanging the end of the
string via a pulley over the edge of a table and attaching different masses to the end. As the masses Commented [A7]: Research design: The
variables are properly understood. The
are increased, the force pulling at the end (the weight) will change. The weights will be incremented methodology is explained (preliminary test, finding
by 0.05 kg, with there being 7 values from 0.05 to 0.35 kilograms inclusive. These values were the maximum amplitude, controlled variables and
chosen because preliminary results showed that they covered a sufficient range to provide data to the importance). This is a well-known and
analyze and because the equipment had weights within that range. standard experiment.
Commented [A8]: Research design: A relevant
Dependent Variable justification. A reasonable range of masses.
The dependent variable in this experiment will be the fundamental frequency of the string. As
the weight is changed, the fundamental frequency will also change. The frequency from the
frequency generator will then be varied until the string reaches the point of highest
amplitude, which is the fundamental frequency. I will measure this by eye in 5 trials and find the Commented [A9]: Research design: The
average to improve reliability. candidate should explain how they will measure
the maximum amplitude of the fundamental
frequency. They realize there is some uncertainty
Controlled Variables because they make repeated measurements.
What is the uncertainty in raw data measurement
Variable Importance How it will be Value and is there a slight range of frequencies when
controlled establishing the maximum amplitude? The
Mass per unit The mass per unit length The same string will 0.42g for the entire candidate records ±0.01 Hz for the frequency but
length changes how the string moves, be used throughout string - this was the that is a least count. The comment here asks for
which will then affect the the experiment mass of the string that details on establishing the individual
fundamental frequency was cut
measurements.
Length of the The length of the string has a The length will bekept 1.22 meters, 1 meter
string direct impact on the fundamental constant throughout till the pulley -1 meter Commented [A10]: Research design: Is the
frequency of thestring the experiment till the pulley to allow candidate measuring the amplitude (if so, how, “by
for a large enough eye”?) or reading the frequency on the generator
distance to discern when there is a maximum amplitude? Details are
the maximum missing, but we know what the candidate is doing.
amplitude and 22 cm
to hang across the
table with the weights
Air pressure The wave propagates differently The experiment willbe 1 standard
in different mediums conducted in thesame atmosphere Commented [A11]: Research design: String
room temperature would be better than atmospheric
pressure.

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 Internal assessment example 2: Tension and frequency

Apparatus Commented [A12]: Research design: It would

be nice to know the make and model of the signal
generator that displays frequency to a hundredth
of a Hertz. How does the candidate determine the
mass per unit length? In the equation calculation
in the conclusion the string mass value stated
(without units) a 1.22 m length.

Commented [A13]: Evaluation: The terms

accuracy and error are not understood here.
Commented [A14]: Research design: Good
point but some steps (under “Method”) are
obvious and other important issues are not
Accuracy techniques: explained. We can fill in the missing information
based on experience, but the candidate should
To ensure accuracy, measurements were always taken at eye level. Equipment was used have addressed procedural issues that are
important. Repeated values are sufficient.
that had very low error (see data table). 5 repeat readings were taken for each data point.
Commented [A15]: Research design: There is
enough in the description of the method and
Method: procedure that would allow for this investigation to
be reproduced. The diagram is helpful.
1. Place the retort stand on a table about a meter away from the edge. Commented [A16]: Research design: Does the
point of driving the string to resonance make a
2. Clamp it down with the G-clamps and place the vibration generator on it. difference? Is the weight end of the string exactly
3. Place the signal generator next to the vibration motor and connect the two with the at the top of the pulley or is there some ambiguity
wires here? The fixed end is also a vibrating end. Each
4. Tie one tip of the string to the vibration generator and hang the other over the pulley. of these issues combined can lead to an
uncertainty of several millimetres in the
5. Tie the edge that's hanging to the hanging masses without any extra attached. measurement of the length of the string. More
clarification is needed here but this method is
acceptable.

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 Internal assessment example 2: Tension and frequency

6. Switch on the generator at 0 Hz and slowly increase the frequency until the amplitude of Commented [A17]: Research design: More
the vibrating string doesn't go any higher. Record this frequency. thought is needed here about how to observe the
7. Repeat step 6 6 more times by incrementing the mass by 0.05 kg each time. maximum amplitude.
8. Repeat step 6 and 7 five times for reliability. Commented [A18]: Research design: Again,
more details about the key measurement of
maximum amplitude and related uncertainties are
There should be a total of 7 increments of the weights and 5 repeats reading for each required. Given two decimal places with the
increment. This means the range is 0.300 kilograms, with intervals of 0.050 kilograms. signature generator frequency and no comments
about a slight range of frequencies for a given
maximin amplitude, we can say there is some
Ethics, Environmental Considerations, and Safety: information missing here. Overall, this is a simple
Due to the relative safety of the apparatus used and the lack of factors that adversely affect sonometer experiment, so we know what is going
on.
the environment, there are no ethics, safety, or environmental concerns.
Commented [A19]: Research design: Some
Sketch of Experiment obvious but relevant procedural details are
explained.

Raw Data Table Commented [A20]: Data analysis: The

presentation is clear but not totally precise. If each
mass has an uncertainty of 2% then when you add
masses together your total should be 2% (e.g. not
0.4% for 0.250 kg, which is five masses together).
When we add quantities, we add the absolute
uncertainties.

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 Internal assessment example 2: Tension and frequency

Processed Data Commented [A21]: Data analysis: The

propagation of uncertainty for squaring frequency
is done correctly. Uncertainties should be ± (plus
and minus).

Graph of Frequency Squared against Weight Tension in Newtons Commented [A22]: Data analysis: This is a
relevant and nicely presented graph. It is
interesting that the candidate included individual
values of uncertainty bars for the y-axis. This is
good work. However, the minimum and maximum
gradient lines are excessive; they do not follow the
IB skills method.

Statistical values (gradient, minimum and maximum lines drawn by hand) as given by the software are:

average gradient = 801.2 Hz^2 / N max gradient = 851.6 Hz^2 / N min gradient = 749.8 Hz^2 / N Commented [A23]: Data analysis: The
candidate means that the best-fit gradient was
gradient uncertainty (min – max / 2) = (851.6 – 749.8)/2 = 50.90 Hz^2 / N determined by the method of least squares.

percentage uncertainty = (50.90 /801.2) x 100 = 6.353% Commented [A24]: Data analysis: The
experimental gradient range uncertainty is justified
at about 6%.

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 Internal assessment example 2: Tension and frequency

Conclusion

The theoretical gradient of the graph is equal to: Commented [A25]: Data analysis: For “L = 1”
we can read 1.000 m (whereas for the length for
1 1 the density per unit length we have 1.22 m).
gradient    726.19
4L2   0.00042 
4  1 
2

 1.22 

Uncertainty in the mass is 0.001 kg (due to equipment)

Uncertainty in length = 0.001 m (smallest division on ruler times 2) Commented [A26]: Data analysis: The
“Apparatus” table lists the string length uncertainty
= 0.001+0.001 +0.001 + 0.001 (the equation squares length and multiples it with mass per unit length) so as ± 0.01 m. Here, the candidate claims length
0.001 is multiplied 4 times. uncertainty of 0.001 m (meaning ± 0.001 m). Then
they say this is twice the smallest division on the
ruler. It would be helpful to know what kind of ruler
m = 726.20 kg–1 m–1 has the smallest division of 0.0005 m (half a
millimetre).
Therefore, the discrepancy is: Commented [A27]: Data analysis: The process
726.20  800 could be clearer.
x100  10%
726.20

As the tension increases, the frequency increases. The line of best fit passes slightly below the
origin, but it is close enough considering the scale of the data. The line is a straight line with a Commented [A28]: Conclusion: The analysis
gradient of 800 ± 50 Hz2 / N. Since the line would ideally pass through the origin, the relationship aligns with the research question here. The results
can be said to be directly proportional. Relating it back to the research question, tension and the are good, as expected.
fundamental frequency of a string are directly proportional. Commented [A29]: Conclusion: The candidate
does not mean this. See other parts of the report
The data supports this because the data points form a straight line that passes through the origin. where they get the conclusion correct.
There does not seem to be any curve and the error bars all conform to the idea that itis a straight Commented [A30]: Conclusion: We cannot
line. expect a reference to list what the gradient should
be. The candidate is looking for a proportional
function in their data, and they found it. The theory
The lines were drawn mainly taking into account the error bars. However, the top error bar was
followed thus counts as the accepted scientific
rather small, but the error bars of the 4th and 5th were large, which factored in to wherethe min and context. We do not need several references for
max gradients were added. this well-known equation relating frequency and
tension.
Evaluation Commented [A31]: Conclusion: The candidate’s
comment justifies the excessive gradient range
A strength of this investigation was that the equipment used was very precise and thus had very lines. If the candidate had considered all the data
point uncertainty bars as large data points, a more
low error, which, for the most part, reduced the uncertainty in our graph. There was also a very low
reasonable range could have been found.
spread of the points around the line of best fit. However, we can accept the results here.
Commented [A32]: Evaluation: These qualitative
The experiment had good processes and use of time, since once the equipment was set up, the claims are correct. More is required.
trials took only around 30-45 minutes. The equipment used was appropriate, with high accuracy
Commented [A33]: Evaluation: These
measurements, and the same equipment was used throughout the experiment to reduce random
comments do not address the evaluation criterion.
error.

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 Internal assessment example 2: Tension and frequency

However, as evident by the 5th and 6th data points on the graph, there was some random error Commented [A34]: Evaluation: Good point;
that drew some of the points away from the line of best fit. This random error could be attributed to problem and improvement are suggested.
the fact that as the frequency was varied, the point at which the amplitude was the largest was a However, more measurements do not reduce
human judgement call, where one had to notice exactly at which point the amplitude stopped increasing random errors but would reinforce the standard
deviation value and reduce the standard deviation
and started to decrease instead. This could have been further affected by the fact that the frequency of the mean value.
was very granular and even small changes of the dial on the generator changed it by a lot. Thus, to
decrease this random error, 10 or more repeat readings should be taken next time.

Since most of the error came from the frequency measurement, it might also be beneficial to
remove the factor of human judgement to reduce it. Instead of a judgement call, a ruler could be
used to measure the amplitude. Perhaps with two people working together, one of the pair could
call out exactly when the amplitude peaks.

The discrepancy from the expected value was 10%, which is not a trivial error. However, the Commented [A35]: Evaluation: The candidate’s
minimum gradient came very close to the expected value, which means the experiment wasn't too far calculation of the theoretical gradient was done
away in terms of accuracy. correctly (given the benefit of the doubt for
significant figures). They are justified claiming
10%.
To improve the experiment, it might be beneficial to increase the range of data, which might provide
a better line of best fit that conforms to the expected value. In terms of equipment, perhaps a ruler Commented [A36]: Evaluation: Some
improvements are described but are they really at
could be mounted behind the string, and a camera could be used to observe it. Then, a later
the heart of matter? What are the methodological
analysis could more accurately discern when the amplitude was the highest, which reduces random weaknesses?
error.

The aim of this investigation was to see how changing the tension in a string affects the fundamental
frequency of the string. I have thus proved that tension and frequency are related. Commented [A37]: Evaluation: Experimental
data does not prove a theory.

Physics assessed student work 7