PASCO WA-9857 String Vibrator - Manual (Page 5)

Model No. WA-9857 Equipment Setup
5 ®
Rod Clamp
The case of the String Vibrator has a
built-in rod clamp for mounting it either
horizontally or vertically on a rod with
a diameter up to 12.7 mm (1/2 inch).
Slide the rod through the case in the
preferred orientation and tighten the
thumb screw.
The Universal Table Clamp (ME-9472)
and 45 cm Rod (ME-8736) work well in
this application because you can clamp
the rod vertically to the edge of a table.
Permanent Mounting
Two through-holes in the clamping
surfaces allow the String Vibrator to be
mounted permanently on a flat surface.
Place a washer under each screw head
to protect the plastic case.
String Setup
String Selection
The included elastic wave cord works well for demonstrations and many lab activities. The elastic
cord is easy to see, produces good amplitude, and it does not require a hanging mass to provide
tension, but it does not have constant linear density under tension. For experiments exploring the
relationship between wave speed and string density, it is better to use an inelastic string such as
Braided String (SE-8050) or Yellow Cord (ME-9876).
Attaching the String
If you are using the included elastic
cord, or any other thick cord, pass it
through the grommet, then tie a free-
standing knot that cannot pass through
the hole when you pull back on the
cord. If the end of the cord is frayed,
trim it to make it easier to thread
through the grommet.
If you are using thin string, thread it
through the grommet at the end of the
blade and tie it in a loop.