© 2018 IJRAR February 2018, Volume 5, Issue 1 www.ijrar.org (E-ISSN 2348-1269, P- ISSN 2349-5138) IJRAR19D1229 International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews (IJRAR) www.ijrar.org 548 Visualizing Oscillations and Harmonic Motion an Educational Tool Lalita V. Rane Prof. Ramkrishna More Arts, Commerce and Science College Pune, India Abstract: The concept of de Broglie waves is difficult to visualize at intermediate school levels for students. We designed an experiment to illustrate this in the laboratory using the concept of vibration of a metal ring in its own plane, under an alternating magnetic field. In this study we used a ring to visualize the transverse elastic vibrations formed when electromagnetic signal is applied. Same principle can be applied to the electron revolving in the orbit of an atom. Certain special orbits are possible for the electron only when its circumference is the integral multiple of the wavelength associated with the electron. The graphic visualisation is very useful in understanding how stable harmonics are formed and the wave like behaviour of an electron moving in the orbit. Introduction Students learn better and retain their knowledge longer when traditional classroom teaching is assisted by interactive experiments with visually depicted results in real time. Combined with traditional theoretical instruction and laboratory techniques, these methods provide new options to gain in-depth knowledge and understand the physical principles in the areas of physics under study [75]. We designed such an experiment using some very commonly available materials to illustrate the concept of harmonics and oscillation and draw an analogy to behaviour of an electron when in motion inside an atom. Such simple experiment could enable students to connect the learnings from the observations with different concepts by developing a mental framework and extrapolate this through thought experiments [2,3,4]. A well-designed, visually observable and easily replicable experiment can help provide clarity and d encourage students to connect their learning with theory and help memory retention of a concept and simple framework of understanding [5]. Group interaction and experimental observation will help students use the concept in different situations [1]. Principle of vibration in a ring: Principle of vibration of a ring is based on the electromagnetic induction. Experimental setup is shown in the figure. A coil of thin wire is wound on a magnetic material. Ohmic resistance of this coil is about 1000 ohm. When alternating current is passed through the coil induced magnetic field is produced around it. This magnetic field is linked with the magnetic material, which induces the magnetization inside the magnetic material. When the strip of spring is kept in the vicinity of the magnetic material, alternating magnetic field is induced in the spring which induces an emf in the spring. This induced emf produces current through the spring. This induced alternating current again interacts with the magnetic field produced by the magnetic material in the coil and it vibrates according to lenze’s law. As the spring vibrates with the applied frequency, standing wave patterns are observed for particular radius of circular spring. The number of the loops formed inside the circular spring depends upon the applied frequency and resonating length. It is given by the formula 2πr = nλ Where r is the radius of circular spring n is the applied frequency λ is the wave length of the standing wave in the loop