Chapter 44

This experiment investigates the phenomenon of resonance, specifically in the oscillations of a length of rope, as an example of the quantization that underlies quantum mechanics. What three physical characteristics of the rope are intentionally varied in the course of this experiment (including optional Part D)?

When spun quickly enough, a rope will have one or more stationary points along its length, points that do not move or rotate. What is the technical term for these stationary points?

The lowest-energy oscillation in a given system is called the ground state. This is the state obtained when the rope is spun just quickly enough to keep it rotating consistently. If the rope is spun quite a bit faster, at the correct speed, it can enter a higher-energy state with one or more of the stationary points from Question 2 along its length. What is the technical term for such a higher-energy state?

Frequency is measured in units of Hertz, abbreviated Hz. One Hertz is one oscillation per second. If it takes 76 seconds for a rope to go around 50 times, what is the frequency of its oscillation, in Hertz? Be sure to show your work!