Question

In Melde's experiment in the transverse mode, the frequency of the tuning fork and the frequency of the waves in the string are in the ratio :

• A. 2:1
• B. 4:1
• C. 1:1
• D. 1:2

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

1:1

Melde's experiment attempted to demonstrate that mechanical waves undergo interference phenomena.

In this experiment the change in frequency produced when the tension is increased in the string – similar to the change in pitch when a guitar string is tuned.

Thus a resonance in tuning fork and frequency of standing waves produced is required. This requires the frequencies of the two to be the same.