So it has been an interesting week, normally we will post with greater frequency, but this week tech calls were heavy.
One interesting call we have been working on is with our Cenco Oscillator, the oscillator is more or less a speaker that can be driven by a function generator to do various wave demonstrations. Recently we had our “string vendor” change the diameter and weight of the classic string that is recommended for use with a kit. While testing new elastic cord we discovered an interesting relationship between the mass to amplitude ratio when doing the experiment pictured in the link below. It turned out that niether the heaviest or lightest string gave the best amplitude, but the string right in the middle in terms of weight performed the best. We kept all other constants the same (frequency, power, etc). It turns out the string used in GM car cargo nets works great!
For more on the oscillator see our link below:
http://www.cencophysics.com/mechanical-oscillator-cenco/p/IG0038441/
On another note I came across this article today on CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/05/07/eco.baskingsharks/index.html
It was an interesting article about the “worlds second largest fish”. After reading the article I was glad I chose physics and not biology for a career path, take a look at the guy in the picture circled below.
