Physics Project1

PHYSICS
INVESTIGATORY
PROJECT
TOPIC:
EFFECT OF TENSION
ON THE PITCH OF A
STRING
BY, M.SANJAY
XII CLEVER
ROLL NO:
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that ‘SANJAY.M’ student of XII has

successfully completed the Investigatory project on
the topic ’EFFECT OF TENSION ON THE PITCH OF A
STRING' under the guidance of ‘SWEDHA.R’ during
the academic year 2024-2025 as per the guidelines
issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education.
INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In accomplishment of this project successfully,

many people have bestowed upon me their
blessings and the heart pledges support, I would
like to use this opportunity to thank everyone who
has been concerned with this project.
Primarily, I would Thank God for enabling me to

complete my project successfully. I would like to
thank my Principal MRS. SANJITHA BANU.S and my
Physics teacher MRS. SWEDHA.R whose valuable
guidance has supported me to completed this
project and make it a full proof success.
Then I would like to thank my parents and friends

who have helped me with their valuable
suggestions. Their guidance has been beneficial in
various phases of my project completion.
CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2.Aim
3.Apparatus
4.Theory
5.Procedure
6.Observation
7.Result
8.Conclusion
9.Bibliography
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between tension and pitch in
a vibrating string is a fascinating aspect of
wave mechanics that manifests in various
real-world scenarios. When we pluck a guitar
string or strike a piano key, the pitch of the
sound produced is intricately linked to the
tension in the string. This relationship is
fundamental to the harmonious melodies we
enjoy in music and the functionality of musical
instruments.
Consider a guitar string: by adjusting the
tuning pegs to increase or decrease tension,
we can alter the pitch of the notes produced.
Similarly, in a violin, the tension in the strings
can be adjusted to achieve different notes.
These examples highlight the practical
significance of understanding how tension
influences pitch.
In this investigatory project, we delve into the
mechanics behind this phenomenon. By
conducting experiments where we
systematically vary the tension in a string and
measure the corresponding pitches produced,
we aim to establish a clear relationship
between tension and pitch. Through data
analysis and observation of the experimental
results, we can uncover the nuances of this
relationship and its implications across
disciplines.
By exploring the effect of tension on the pitch
of a string, we not only deepen our
understanding of wave behavior but also gain
insights that can be applied in areas such as
music theory, instrument design, and
acoustics. This project serves as a gateway to
unraveling the intricate interplay between
tension, vibration, and pitch in the realm of
physics and sound.
AIM
 Tostudy the effect of
tension (by mass) on
the pitch of a string
APPARATUS
 A plastic box
 Wooden wedge(triangular)
 A string
 Weights of variable mass
 Hook
 Frequency Recorder App such as Audio
Frequency Counter
 Wooden stand
The whole set-up needs the above materials.

THEORY
As from real life observations, pitch or the
amplitude of a string increases when tension
is put on the string. This directly relates that
the vibration/frequency of the string depends
on the length, tension and speed of the
wavelengths created by plucking the string.
Length is inversely proportional to frequency
Hence T,m∝F [T=tension,m=mass of the
weight applied, F=frequency of the string]
L-1∝F [L=length of the string, F=frequency of
the string]
Hence from above one could find out the

frequency of the string with the above
parameters.
PROCEDURE
1) To create the apparatus, take a stand and

place a hook on it to tie a string of a
considerable length.
2) Then use a plastic box in front of the stand

A to place a triangular wedge on it to level up
the string.
3) Now tie weights of different magnitude on

the free end of the string to create
tension[gravitational] on the string.
4) Now pluck the string hung over the plastic

box to create a wave.
5) Now use the frequency recorder to record

the frequency generated by plucking the
string.
6) Do these procedure 3 times for each weight
to get the median tension.
7) Record these observations.

OBSERVATIONS
Effect of Tension of weights on the string:

Weight Frequency Frequency Frequency
(g) (1st trail) (1st trail) (1st trail)
(Hz) (Hz) (Hz)
200g 187 186.6 186.3
400g 210.4 210.8 210.6
600g 307.3 307.5 307.1
Median: 200g:186.3 400g:210.6 600g:307.3
RESULT
Therefore, the effect of tension and mass on
the pitch of a string is shown through this
experiment.
CONCLUSION
From the experiment, we come to know that

the the frequency or pitch of the string
increases with increase in the mass or
tension produced on the string. Here the the
rate of speed of wave created by the string
was a quadratic function which increased
proportionally too.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. www.physicsclassroom.com/class/waves/L
esson-2/The-Wave-Equation.
2. http://hyperphysics.phy-
astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Waves/string.html

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PHYSICS

This is to certify that ‘SANJAY.M’ student of XII has

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

In accomplishment of this project successfully,

Primarily, I would Thank God for enabling me to

Then I would like to thank my parents and friends

The whole set-up needs the above materials.

Hence from above one could find out the

1) To create the apparatus, take a stand and

2) Then use a plastic box in front of the stand

3) Now tie weights of different magnitude on

4) Now pluck the string hung over the plastic

5) Now use the frequency recorder to record

7) Record these observations.

Effect of Tension of weights on the string:

From the experiment, we come to know that

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