Explore the Waves Intro: String Waves
Shake a string, change frequency, amplitude, tension and damping, and measure the wavelength and speed. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Waves Intro: String Waves with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Waves Intro: String Waves?
Shake a string, change frequency, amplitude, tension and damping, and measure the wavelength and speed. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Guitars, ropes, ocean waves, light and sound all follow these same wave ideas.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Wave speed = frequency × wavelength.
Higher tension makes waves faster.
Amplitude is the height of the wave.
Double the frequency and see the wavelength halve.
Increase the tension.
Drag the wrist by hand to make your own wave.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Physics learners
Physics students in middle school, high school and first-year university, teachers who want a quick demonstration for the projector, and anyone revising for exams.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Waves Intro: String Waves on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Increase the tension. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is the relationship between speed, frequency and wavelength?
v = fλ.
Does the string move along with the wave?
No. Each point moves up and down while the wave shape travels along.
Is the Waves Intro: String Waves free to use?
Yes. The Waves Intro: String Waves is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Physics group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Waves Intro: String Waves work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Waves Intro: String Waves takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 7 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Waves Intro: String Waves?
1. In the Waves Intro: String Waves, use the controls to change Wave generator, Amplitude, Frequency, Damping, Tension, and more. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Waves Intro: String Waves, pick an option such as Oscillate, Pulse, Manual (drag), Fixed end to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Waves Intro: String Waves, press "Send a pulse", "Pause" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Double the frequency and see the wavelength halve. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Waves Intro: String Waves responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Wave speed = frequency × wavelength.
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Try the Waves Intro: String Waves now
Shake a string, change frequency, amplitude, tension and damping, and measure the. Free to use.
Try it free