Expt. No.

01
Date :
01. MOMENT OF INERTIA OF A SOLID SPHERE OF KNOWN MASS
USING VERNIER CALIPER
Aim :
To determine the moment of inertia of a solid sphere of known mass using
Vernier caliper

Apparatus Required: Vernier caliper, Solid sphere

Formula:
2
Moment of inertia of a solid sphere about its diameter Id = MR2
5
Where M → Mass of the sphere (known value to be given) in kg
R → Radius of the sphere in metre
Diagram:

A model reading MSR = 2.2 cm ; VSC = 4 divisions;

Reading = [2.2 cm+(4x0.01cm)] = 2.24 cm
Procedure:
1. The Vernier caliper is checked for zero errors and error if found is to be noted
2. The sphere is kept in between the jaws of the Vernier caliper and the main scale
reading (MSR )is noted.
3. Vernier scale division which coincides with some main scale division ( VSD ) is
noted. Zero correction made with this VSD gives Vernier scale reading ( VSR ).
4. Multiply this VSR by Least Count (LC) and add it with MSR. This will be the
diameter of the sphere.
5. Observations are to be recorded for different positions of the sphere and the
average value of the diameter is found. From this value radius of the sphere R is
calculated.
6. Using the known value of the mass of the sphere M and calculated radius of the
sphere R the moment of inertia of the given sphere about its diameter can be
calculated using the given

Least Count (LC):

Least Count ( LC ) = 1 Main Scale Division (MSD)
Total Vernier scale divisions

w
Zero Error: No Error Zero Correction: No Correction

Diameter of the Sphere

S. MSR Vernier VSR = (VSD ±
(2R) =
No. (cm) coincidence (VSD.) ZC) (cm) MSR + (VSR x LC) (cm)
01 1.9 10 0.10 2.0
02 1.9 10 0.10 2.0
03 1.9 10 0.10 2.0
04 1.9 10 0.10 2.0
05 1.9 10 0.10 2.0
06 1.9 10 0.10 2.0

Mean Diameter (2R) : 2.0cm

Radius of the sphere (R) : 1.0x10-2m
Calculation:
Mass of the sphere M = 27.75 x 10-3 kg (Known value is given)
Radius of the sphere R =. 1.0x10-2m

S. No. 1: Diameter of the Sphere (2R) = MSR + (VSR x LC) (cm)

= 1.9 + (0.10)
2R = 2.0cm

S. No. 2: Diameter of the Sphere (2R) = MSR + (VSR x LC) (cm)

= 1.9 + (0.10)
2R = 2.0cm

S. No. 3: Diameter of the Sphere (2R) = MSR + (VSR x LC) (cm)

= 1.9 + (0.10)
2R = 2.0cm

S. No. 4: Diameter of the Sphere (2R) = MSR + (VSR x LC) (cm)

= 1.9 + (0.10)
2R = 2.0cm

S. No. 5: Diameter of the Sphere (2R) = MSR + (VSR x LC) (cm)

= 1.9 + (0.10)
2R = 2.0cm

S. No. 6: Diameter of the Sphere (2R) = MSR + (VSR x LC) (cm)

= 1.9 + (0.10)
2R = 2.0cm

2
2
Moment of inertia of a solid sphere about its diameter Id = 5 MR
2
Id = x (27.75x10-3x(1x10-2)2
5
Id = 11.1028 x 10-7kgm2

Result:

The moment of inertia of the given solid sphere about its diameter using
Vernier caliper Id = 11.1028 x 10-7kgm2
Expt. No. 02
Date :

02. NON – UNIFORM BENDING – VERIFICATION OF RELATION BETWEEN LOAD

AND DEPRESSION USING PIN AND MICROSCOPE
Aim:
To verify the relation between the load and depression using non-uniform bending
of a beam.
Apparatus Required:
A long uniform beam (usually a metre scale), two knife – edge supports,
mass hanger, slotted masses, pin, Vernier microscope
Formula:
M
= a constant
S
where M → Load applied (mass) (kg) , s → depression for the applied load(metre)
Diagram:

Model Graph:
Load (M) vs Depression (s)
A graph between M and s can be drawn
by taking M along X- axis and s along Y
– axis. This is a straight line.
Procedure :
1. Place the two knife – edges on the table.
2. Place the uniform beam (metre scale) on top of the knife edges.
3. Suspend the mass hanger at the centre. A pin is attached at the centre of the
scale where the hanger is hung.
4. Place a vernier microscope in front of this arrangement
5. Adjust the microscope to get a clear view of the pin
6. Make the horizontal cross-wire on the microscope to coincide with the tip of the
pin. (Here mass hanger is the dead load M).
7. Note the vertical scale reading of the vernier microscope
8. Add the slotted masses one by one in steps of 0.05 kg (50 g) and take down the
readings.
9. Then start unloading by removing masses one by one and note the readings.
10. Subtract the mean reading of each load from dead load reading. This gives the
depressions for the corresponding load M.
Observations:
M
To find
S
Microscope Reading (m) Depression
Load
S. For M (S) M (kgm-1)
(M) Increasing Decreasing
No. Mean (10-2m) S
10-3 (kg) Load Load
01 50 9.413 9.381 9.397 - -
02 100 9.314 9.290 9.302 0.095 52.63
03 150 9.237 9.186 9.211 0.186 53.76
04 200 9.109 9.109 9.109 0.288 52.08
05 250 9.019 9.019 9.019 0.378 52.91

M
Mean
S
= 52.85 kgm-1
Calculation:
M 0.05
(i) = = 52.63 kgm-1
S 0.00095

M 0.100
(ii) = = 53.76 kgm-1
S 0.00186

M 0.150
(iii) = = 52.08 kgm-1
S 0.00288

M 0.200
(iv) S
= 0.00378
= 52.91 kgm-1

Result:
The ratio between mass and depression for each load is calculated. This is found to
be constant.
Thus the relation between load and depression is verified by the method of
non-uniform bending of a beam.
Expt. No. 03
Date :

03. SPRING CONSTANT OF A SPRING

Aim :
To determine the spring constant of a spring by using the method of vertical
oscillations
Apparatus Required:
Spring, rigid support, hook, 50 g mass hanger, 50 g slotted masses, stop clock,
metre scale, pointer
Formula:
M −M1
Spring constant of the spring K = 4 2( 2 )
T2 −T2
2 1
where M1, M2 → selected loads in kg
T1, T2 → time period corresponding to masses M1 and M2 respective y in second

Procedure:
1. A spring is firmly suspended vertically from a rigid clamp of a wooden stand at its
upper end with a mass hanger attached to its lower end. A pointer fixed at the lower
end of the spring moves over a vertical scale fixed.
2. A suitable load M (eg; 100 g ) is added to the mass hanger and the reading on the
scale at which the pointer comes to rest is noted. This is the equilibrium position.
3. The mass in the hanger is pulled downward and released so that the spring
oscillates vertically on either side of the equilibrium position.
4. When the pointer crosses the equilibrium position a stop clock is started and the
time taken for 20 vertical oscillations is noted. Then the period of oscillation T is
calculated.
5. The experiment is repeated by adding masses in steps of 50 g to the mass hanger
and period of oscillation at each time is calculated.
 6. For the masses M1 and M2 ( with a difference of 50 g ), if T1 and T2 are the
M2−M1
corresponding periods, then the value ( 2 2 )is calculated and its average is
T2 −T1
found.
7. Using the given formula the spring constant of the given spring is calculated.

Observations:
Time Taken for 20 M2 − M1
Time
Load M Oscillations T2 T2 − T2
S. No. Period
(g) Trial 1 Trial 2 Mean (s2) 2 1
T (s) kgs-2
(s) (s) (s)
01 150 16.5 16.5 16.5 0.825 0.681 -----
02 200 18.5 18.5 18.5 0.925 0.856 0.286
03 250 20.5 20.5 20.5 1.025 1.05 0.258
04 300 22.5 22.5 22.5 1.125 1.26 0.238
05 350 24.0 24.0 24.0 1.200 1.44 0.278
M2−M1
Mean = 0.265 kgs-2
T2−T2
2 1

Calculations:

ww w .Pad asalai.Net
(M 2 − M1 ) = (200 − 150)X10
T2 − T2

0.050
2 1

= 0.286 kgs-2
−3
0. 856 − 0. 681
( M2 − M1 ) = (250 − 2000)X10
T2 − T2

0.050
2
1. 05 − 0. 856
1

= 0.258 kgs-2
−3

0.175 0.194
M2 − M1 (300 − 250)X10−3 M2 − M1 (350 − 300)X10−3
( )= ( )=
T22 − T12 1. 26 − 1. 05 T22 − T12 1. 44 − 1. 26

0.050 = 0.238 kgs-2 0.050 = 0.278 kgs-2

0.210 0.18
M2 − M1 Spring constant of a spring
( ) M2−M1
T22 − T12 K=4 2 ( )
0. 286 + 0. 258 + 0. 238 + 0. 278 T2−T2
2 1
= = 4 x 3.14 x 3.14 x 0.265x10-3
4
K = 10.45 Nm-1
1.060 = 0.265 kgs-2
4

Result:
The spring constant of the given spring K = 10.45 Nm-1
Expt. No. 04
Date :

04. ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY USING SIMPLE PENDULUM

Aim:
To measure the acceleration due to gravity using a simple pendulum
Apparatus Required:

Retort stand, pendulum bob, thread, meter scale, stop watch.

Formula:
𝑙
Acceleration due to gravity g = 4 2 ms-2
T2

where T → Time period of simple pendulum (second)

g → Acceleration due to gravity (metre sec-2)

L → Length of the pendulum (metre)
Procedure:
1. Attach a small brass bob to the thread
2. Fix this thread on to the stand
3. Measure the length of the pendulum from top to the middle of the bob of the
pendulum. Record the length of the pendulum in the table below.
4. Note the time (t) for 10 oscillations using stop watch
𝑡
5. The period of oscillation T =
10
6. Repeat the experiment for different lengths of the pendulum ‘L’. Find acceleration
due to gravity g using the given formula.

Observations:
To find the acceleration due to gravity ‘g’

Length of Time Taken for 20 Period of 𝑙

S. Simple Oscillations oscillation T2 ms-2
𝑡 T2
No. Pendulum Trial 1 Trial 2 Mean (s2)
l (cm) (s) (s) (s) T= (s)
20
01 40 27.06 27.54 27.27 1.36 1.85 0.22
02 50 30.03 29.07 29.61 1.48 2.19 0.23
03 60 31.72 31.53 31.54 1.57 2.48 0.24
04 70 33.81 33.72 33.84 1.69 2.86 0.24
05 80 36.03 36.18 36.10 1.80 3.25 0.25
06 90 38.28 38.18 38.18 1.90 3.64 0.25

𝑙
Mean = 0.245 ms-2
T2
Model Graph:

∆𝑦 𝑇2 1 L
Slope = = ; =
∆𝑥 𝐿 Slope T2
 𝑙 0.40 𝑙 0.50
= = 0.22
T2
= = 0.23
T2 1.85 2.19

𝑙 0.60
T2
= = 0.24
2.48 𝑙 0.70
T2
= = 0.24
2.86

𝑙 0.80
T2
= = 0.25 𝑙
=
0.90
3.25 T2 = 0.25
3.64

𝑙 (0. 22 + 0. 23 + 0. 24 + 0. 24 + 0. 25 + 0. 25)
Mean 2
=
T 6

𝑙
T2
= 0.245

Acceleration due to Gravity g = 4 2 𝑙

ms-2
T2
= 4x3.142x0.25
g = 9.85ms-2

Result :
The acceleration due to gravity ‘g’ determined using simple pendulum is
i) By calculation g = 9.85ms-2

ii) By graph g = 9.85ms-2

Expt. No. 05
Date :

05. VELOCITY OF SOUND IN AIR USING RESONANCE COLUMN

Aim :

To determine the velocity of sound in air at room temperature using the resonance
column.

Apparatus Required:

Resonance tube, three tuning forks of known frequencies, a rubber hammer, one
thermometer, plumb line, set squares, water in a beaker.

Formula:

V =2v (l2 – l1) m s-1

where V → Speed of sound in air (m s-1)
l2, l1→The length of the air column for the first and second resonance respectively (m)
v → Frequency of the tuning fork (Hz)

Procedure :
1. The inner tube of the resonance column is lowered so that the length of air column
inside the tube is very small.
2. Take a tuning fork of known frequency and strike it with a rubber hammer. The
tuning fork now produces longitudinal waves with a frequency equal to the natural
frequency of the tuning fork.
3. Place the vibrating tuning fork horizontally above the tube. Sound waves pass
down the total tube and reflect back at the water surface.
 4. Now, raise the tube and the tuning fork until a maximum sound is heard.
5. Measure the length of air column at this position. This is taken as the first
resonating length, l1
6. Then raise the tube approximately about two times the first resonating length.
Excite the tuning fork again and place it on the mouth of the tube.
7. Change the height of the tube until the maximum sound is heard.
8. Measure the length of air column at this position. This is taken as the second
resonating length l2
9. We can now calculate the velocity of sound in air at room temperature by using the
relation.
10. V = 2v(l2 − l1)
11. Repeat the experiment with forks of different frequency and calculate the velocity.
12. The mean of the calculated values will give the velocity of sound in air at room
temperature.

Observations:

S. Frequency First
Second resonating V=
No of resonating length l2 – l1
tuning l1 (cm) length l2 (cm) (x10-2m) 2v (l2 – l1)
Trial Trail Trial Trail m s-1
fork v HZ 1 2
Mean
1 2
Mean

01 512 13.2 13.2 13.2 46.0 46.0 46.0 0.328 335.9

ww .Padas
02 480 17.3 17.3 17.3 51.6 51.6 51.6 0.343 329.3

03 426 17.6 17.6 17.6 53.6 53.6 53.6 0.38 323.8

Mean V = 329.7 m s-1

Calculation:

1) V = 2v (l2 – l1) ms-1

= 2 x 512 x 0.328
V = 335.9 ms-1

2) V = 2v (l2 – l1) ms-1

= 2 x 480 x 0.343
V = 329.3 ms-1

3) V = 2v (l2 – l1) ms-1

= 2 x 426 x 0.380
V = 323.8 ms-1

(335.9+329.3+323.8)
Mean (V) = = 329.7ms-1
3

Result:
Velocity of sound in air at room temperature, (V) = 329.7 m s-1
Expt. No. 06
Date :

06. VISCOSITY OF A LIQUID BY STOKE’S METHOD

Aim:

To determine the co-efficient of viscosity of the given liquid by stoke’s method

Apparatus Required:

A long cylindrical glass jar, highly viscous liquid, metre scale, spherical ball, stop
clock, thread.

Formula:

2r2(δ−σ)g
η= N s m-2
9V
where η - Coefficient of viscosity of liquid (N s m–2)
r → radius of spherical ball ( m )
δ → density of the steel sphere ( kg m–3 )
σ → density of the liquid ( kg m–3 )
g → acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m s–2 )
V → mean terminal velocity ( m s–1 )
Procedure:
1. A long cylindrical glass jar with markings is taken.
2. Fill the glass jar with the given experimental liquid.
3. Two points A and B are marked on the jar. The mark A is made well below the
surface of the liquid so that when the ball reaches A it would have acquired terminal
velocity V.
4. The radius of the metal spherical ball is determined using screw gauge.
5. The spherical ball is dropped gently into the liquid.
6. Start the stop clock when the ball crosses the point A. Stop the clock when the ball
reaches B.
7. Note the distance between A and B and use it to calculate terminal velocity.
8. Now repeat the experiment for different distances between A and B. Make sure that
the point A is below the terminal stage.

Observations:
Distance covered by the spherical ball (d) = 0.325(m)
Radius of spherical ball (r ) = 5.5x10-3m

To find the terminal velocity:

Distance covered Terminal velocity

Time taken d
S. No. by the spherical
t (s) (V) = ms-1
ball (d) (m) t
01 0.325 1.062 0.306
02 0.325 1.091 0.297
03 0.325 1.045 0.311
04 0.325 1.089 0.298
05 0.325 1.069 0.304
06 0.325 1.057 0.307

Average: V = 0.304 ms-1

Calculation:

2r2(δ−σ)g
η= N s m-2
9V
2
= 2 x (5.5 x 10−3 ) x ( 7860−1260) x 9.8
9 x 0.304
= 3.913
2.736
η = 1.43 N s m-2

Result:
The coefficient of viscosity of the given liquid by stoke’s method η = 1.43 N s m-2
Expt. No. 07
Date :

07. SURFACE TENSION BY CAPILLARY RISE METHOD

Aim:

To determine surface tension of a liquid by capillary rise method.

Apparatus Required:

A beaker of Water, capillary tube, vernier microscope, two holed rubber stopper, a
knitting needle, a short rubber tubing and retort clamp.

Formula:
rh𝛒g
The surface tension of the liquid T = N m-1
2
Where T → Surface tension of the liquid (N m–1)
h → height of the liquid in the capillary tube (m)
r → radius of the capillary tube (m)
σ → Density of water (kg m–3) (σ = 1000 kg m–3)
g → Acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.8 m s–2)
Procedure:
1. A clean and dry capillary tube is taken and fixed in a stand
2. A beaker containing water is placed on an adjustable platform and the capillary
tube is dipped inside the beaker so that a little amount of water is raised inside.
3. Fix a needle near the capillary tube so that the needle touches the water surface
4. A Vernier microscope is focused at the water meniscus level and the
corresponding reading is taken after making the cross wire coincidence.
5. Vernier microscope is focused to the tip of the needle and again reading is taken
and noted.
6. The difference between the two readings of the vertical scale gives the height (h) of
the liquid raised in the tube.
7. Now to find the radius of the tube, lower the height of the support ba e and remove
the beaker, carefully rotate the capillary tube so that the immersed lower end face
towards you.
8. Focus the tube using Vernier microscope to clearly see the inner walls of the tube.
9. Let the vertical cross wire coincide with the left side inner walls of the tube. Note
down the reading (L1)
10. Turn the microscope screws in horizontal direction to view the right side inner wall
of the tube. Note the reading (R1). Thus the radius of the tube can be calculated as
1 (l – R )

1 1
2
11. Finally calculate the surface tension using the given formula.
Observations:
To measure height of the liquid (h)

Microscope Reading
For the position of lower meniscus For the position of lower tip of
S. of liquid the needle Height of
N TR = the liquid
TR =
o. MSR VC VSR MSR VC VSR MSR + h (cm)
MSR + VSR
(cm) (Div.) (cm) (cm) (Div.) (cm) VSR
(a) cm
(b) cm
01 5.15 39 0.039 5.189 4.05 16 0.016 4.066 1.123
02 5.30 26 0.26 5.326 4.15 5 0.005 4.155 1.171
03 5.65 4 0.004 5.654 4.50 49 0.049 4.549 1.105

Mean h = 1.133 cm

Radius of the capillary tube:

ww
Microscope Reading

S.
No
For the position of inner left wall

MSR VC
of the tube l1

VSR
TR =
MSR + VSR
MSR
wall of the tube R1

VC VSR MSR +
Ne
For the position of inner right Radius
the
capillary
TR = tube.
r=
of

(cm) (Div.) (cm) (cm) (Div.) (cm) VSR 1 (l – R )

(a) cm 1 1
(b) cm 2
01 4.50 6 0.006 4.506 4.25 30 0.03 4.280 0.113
02 10.30 4 0.004 10.304 10.05 15 0.015 10.065 0.1195

Radius r = 0.116x10-2m
Calculation:
Radius of the capillary tube r = 0.116x10-2m
Density of the liquid σ = 1000 kg m-3
Acceleration due to gravity g = 9.8 m s-2
rh𝛒g -1
The surface tension of the liquid T = Nm
2
 rh𝛒g
Surface Tension T =
2
0.116 X 10−2X1.133X10−2X1000X9.8
= 2
128.79 X 10−3
=
2

T = 64.39 x 10-3 Nm-1

Result:

Surface tension of the given liquid by capillary rise method T = 64.39 x 10-3 Nm-1
Expt. No. 08
Date :

08. NEWTON’S LAW OF COOLING USING CALORIMETER

Aim:

To study the relationship between the temperature of a hot body and time by
plotting a cooling curve.

Apparatus Required:

Copper calorimeter with stirrer, one holed rubber cork, thermometer, stop clock,
heater / burner, water, clamp and stand

Newton’s Law of Cooling:

Newton’s law of cooling states that the rate of change of the temperature of an
object is proportional to the difference between its own temperature and the
ambient temperature. (i.e., the temperature of its surroundings)

dT dT
∝ (T – T0 ) where→ Rate of change of temperature (° )
dt dt
T → Temperature of water (°C)
T0 → Room Temperature (°C)
Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Note the room temperature as (T0) using the thermometer.

2. Hot water about 90°C is poured into the calorimeter.
3. Close the calorimeter with one holed rubber cork
 4. Insert the thermometer into calorimeter through the hole in rubber cork
5. Start the stop clock and observe the time for every one degree fall of temperature
from 80°C
6. Take sufficient amount of reading, say closer to room temperature
7. The observations are tabulated
8. Draw a graph by taking time along the x axis and excess temperature along y axis.

Model Graph:

Observations:
Measuring the change in temperature of water with time

Temperature Excess temperature

Time (s)
of water (T) °C (T – T0) °C
0 89 59
180 83 53
360 77 47
540 72.5 42.5
720 68.5 38.5
900 65 35
1080 61.5 31.5
1260 59 29
1440 56.5 26.5
1620 54 24
1800 52.5 22.5
1980 50 20

Result:
The cooling curve is plotted and thus Newton’s law of cooling is verified.
Expt. No. 09
Date :

09. STUDY OF RELATION BETWEEN FREQUENCY AND LENGTH OF A GIVEN WIRE

UNDER CONSTANT TENSION USING SONOMETER
Aim:

To study the relation between frequency and length of a given wire under constant
tension using a sonometer.

Apparatus Required:

Sonometer, six tuning forks of known frequencies, Metre scale, rubber pad, paper
rider, hanger with half – kilogram masses, wooden bridges

Formula:
1 𝑇
The frequency n of the fundamental mode of vibration of a string is given by n = √ H
Z
2𝑙 𝑚
1
a) For a given m and fixed T. n ∝ (or) nl = constant
𝑙
where n → Frequency of the fundamental mode of vibration of the string (Hz)
m → Mass per unit length of the string ( kg m–1 )
l → Length of the string between the wedges (m)
T → Tension in the string (including the mass of the hanger) = Mg ( N )
M → Mass suspended, including the mass of the hanger (Kg)
Procedure:
1. Set up the sonometer on the table and clean the groove on the pulley to ensure
minimum friction
2. Stretch the wire by placing suitable mass in the hanger
3. Set the tuning fork into vibrations by striking it against the rubber pad. Plug the
sonometer wire and compare the two sounds.
4. Adjust the vibrating length of the wire by sliding the bridge B till the sounds appear
alike.
5. For the final adjustment, place a small paper rider R in the middle of the wire AB.
6. Sound the tuning fork and place its shank stem on the bridge A or on the
sonometer box and slowly adjust the position of bridge B until the paper rider is
agitated violently indicating resonance.
7. The length of the wire between the wedges A and B is measured using meter
scale. It is the resonant length. Now the frequency of vibration of the fundamental
mode equals the frequency of the tuning fork.
8. Repeat the above procedure for other tuning forks by keeping the same load in the
hanger.

Observations:

Variation of frequency with length

Frequency of the Resonant 1 nl

tuning fork ‘n’ (Hz) length ‘l’ 𝑙

n1 = 288 32.5 3.07 93.60

n2 = 320 30.1 3.32 96.32
n3 = 341 27.6 3.62 94.12
n4 = 480 19.5 5.12 93.40

Mean = nl = 94.36 Hzm

Calculation:
The product nl for all the tuning forks remain constant (last column in the table)

1) n x l = 288 x 0.325 = 93.60

2) n x l = 320 x 0.301 = 96.32

3) n x l = 341 x 0.276 = 94.12

4) n x l = 480 x 0.195 = 93.40

93.60+96.32+94.12+93.40 377.44 = 94.36

nxl= =
4 4

Result:

For a given tension,1the resonant length of a given stretched string varies as reciprocal
of the frequency (i.e., n ∝ )
𝑙
The product nl is a constant and found to be 94.36 (Hz m)
Expt. No. 10
Date :

10. STUDY OF RELATION BETWEEN LENGTH OF THE GIVEN WIRE AND TENSION
FOR A CONSTANT FREQUENCY USING SONOMETER

Aim:

To study the relationship between the length of a given wire and tension for
constant frequency using a sonometer

Apparatus Required:

Sonometer, tuning fork of known frequency, meter scale, rubber pad, paper rider,
hanger with half – kilogram masses, wooden bridges.

Formula:
The frequency of the fundamental mode of vibration of a string is given by,
1
n= √𝑇 H
2𝑙 𝑚 Z

If n is a constant, for a given wire (m is constant)

√𝑇
is constant
𝑙
where n → Frequency of the fundamental mode of vibration of a string (Hz)
m → Mass per unit length of string (kg m–1)
T → Tension in the string (including the weight of the hanger) = Mg (N)
l → Length of the string between the wedges ( metre )
M → Mass suspended, including the mass of the hanger (kg)
Diagram:
Procedure:
1. Set up the sonometer on the table and clean the groove on the pulley to ensure
that it has minimum friction.
2. Set a tuning fork of known frequency into vibration by striking it against the rubber
pad. Plug the sonometer wire and compare the sound due to the vibration of tuning
fork and the plugged wire.
3. Adjust the vibrating length of the wire by the adjusting the bridge B till the two
sounds appear alike.
4. Place a mass of 1 kg for initial reading in the load hanger.
5. For final adjustment place a small paper rider R in the middle of the wire AB.
6. Now, strike the tuning fork and place its shank stem on the bridge A and then
slowly adjust the position of the bridge B till the paper rider is agitated violently
(might eventually falls) indicating resonance.
7. Measure the length of the wire between wedges at A and B which is the
fundamental mode corresponding to the frequency of the tuning fork.
8. Increase the load on the hanger in steps of 0.5 kg and each time find the
resonating length as done before with the same tuning fork.
9. Record the observations in the tabular column.

Model Graph:
Observations:

Variation of resonant length with tension

S.
Mass M (kg)
Tension
√T
Vibrating
l2 √𝑇
No. T = Mg (N) length l (m) 𝑙
1 2.0 19.6 4.43 27.5 756.25 16.11
2 2.5 24.5 4.95 30.1 906.01 16.44
3 3.0 29.4 5.42 32.6 1062.76 16.63
4 3.5 34.3 5.86 35.3 1246.09 16.60

√𝑇 = 16.42
𝑙

Calculation:
√𝑇
Calculate the value for the tension applied in each case.
𝑙
√𝑇 4.423
= = 16.11
𝑙 0.275

√𝑇 4.95
= = 16.44
𝑙 0.301

√𝑇 5.42
= = 16.63
𝑙 0.326

√𝑇 5.86
= = 16.60
𝑙 0.353
√𝑇 16.11+16.44+16.63+16.60 65.78
Mean = = = 16.45
𝑙 4 4

Result:
The resonating length varies as square root of tension for a given frequency of
√𝑇
vibration of a stretched string. found to be a constant.
𝑙