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Oscillation Explanation

So I was looking at an example of an oscillations experiment and got confused about something.

The experiment was basically looking at the relationship between the length of a wooden rule between to clamp stands and the frequency of oscillation of the rule.

I'm probably being really stupid, but why would changing the length of the rule lead to a change in frequency? I can only think that it would be because the reduced length would lead to a reduced moment acting down upon the centre of the rule due to the masses effect in the wooden rule. :confused:

I've attached a diagram of the basic setup of the experiment below.

Experiment.png7.3KB
Lengthening the rule reduces its effective "stiffness". This has the same effect as using a less stiff spring with a mass. The frequency is less if the stiffness is lower.
Imagine hanging the same weight on a 2 meter ruler as a 1 meter ruler. Both rulers identical otherwise.
On which one would the weight hang lower?
Which ruler is more "stiff"?
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Mr_Pickles3
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Ah okay, that makes much more sense. Thank you! :smile:

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