Melde's Apparatus
Product Code : SCL-PLE-11744
Quick Answer: The Melde’s Apparatus sets up standing waves on a stretched thread driven by a vibrator, so students can relate frequency, tension and wavelength. It works in both transverse and longitudinal settings and runs from a 2–6 V supply.
Last updated: 18 October 2026
Key Features
- Can be set up for transverse or longitudinal vibration of the thread.
- Low-stretch, high-visibility thread runs over an integrated pulley to a pan.
- Slotted weights on the pan increase the tension in small steps.
- Powder-coated metal base with vibration-damped levelling feet.
- Used to test the laws of transverse vibrations and to find the frequency of an AC supply or a tuning fork.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Vibration modes | Transverse and longitudinal |
| String | Low-stretch, high-visibility thread |
| Tensioning | Integrated pulley and pan with slotted weights |
| Input voltage | 2–6 V |
| Base | Powder-coated metal with vibration-damped levelling feet |
| Principle | Standing wave resonance |
How It Is Used
One end of the thread is fixed to the vibrator and the other passes over the pulley to the pan. Weights are added until the thread settles into a steady pattern of loops; counting the loops over a measured length gives the wavelength. Repeating with different loads relates tension to wavelength and allows the frequency of the vibrator, and so of the AC supply or tuning fork, to be found.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Melde’s Apparatus be used in transverse and longitudinal arrangements?
Yes. The apparatus supports both transverse and longitudinal vibration settings of the stretched thread.
What can be determined with Melde’s Apparatus?
The frequency of an AC supply or of a tuning fork, from the standing waves formed on the thread, along with checks of the laws of transverse vibrations.
Related Physics Lab Equipment
See the full physics lab equipment range, or these related vibration and wave apparatus:
- Sonometer Apparatus
- Tuning Fork with Resonance Box
- Tuning Fork Set of 8
- Battery Eliminator
- Wave Motion Apparatus
For a quotation on the Melde's Apparatus, contact JLab India on +91-8569909696.
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