Wave Pulse Travel Time on 24m Nylon Rope

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the travel time of a wave pulse along a 24m nylon rope under a specified tension. Participants are examining the effects of the rope's mass and tension on the wave speed and travel time, with conflicting results compared to a reference book.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of wave speed using the formula involving tension and mass per unit length. Some question whether the mass of the rope should be considered in the tension calculation, while others explore the implications of the rope's orientation on tension.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing examination of the assumptions made in the problem, particularly regarding the tension in the rope and how it affects the wave travel time. Some participants express skepticism about the reference book's answer, suggesting that the problem may be poorly worded.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential impact of the rope's orientation (vertical vs. horizontal) on the tension and the resulting calculations. There is also mention of the weight of the rope as a factor in determining the total tension.

StephenPrivitera
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A 24m nylon rope has a tension of 1.3x104N. The total mass of the rope is 2.7kg. If a wave pulse starts on one end, how long does it take to reach the other end.
I get 0.07s
[tex]v=\sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}[/tex]
[tex]t=d/v=d\sqrt{\frac{\mu}{T}}[/tex]
[tex]\mu=\frac{m}{l}=\frac{2.7kg}{24m}[/tex]
[tex]t=d/v=d\sqrt{\frac{m}{Tl}}=0.07s[/tex]
Book has 1.6s
 
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one thing you may be doing incorrectly is not taking into account the tension in the rope due to the mass of the rope. This is a little tricky though. Does the question say to disregard the mass of the rope when calculating the total tension?
good luck,
Norm
 
HOw the string is situated may also help

Is it Vertical
 
Stephen, I think you are correct and the book is wrong.
 
Originally posted by Norman
one thing you may be doing incorrectly is not taking into account the tension in the rope due to the mass of the rope. This is a little tricky though. Does the question say to disregard the mass of the rope when calculating the total tension?
If the rope were oriented vertically, the added tension due to the weight of the rope would only be about 270 N at the top (zero at the bottom). I don't think this will make much of difference, compared to the given tension of 1.3x104N. In any case, additional tension would reduce the time. :smile:

The book is wrong (again).
 
It seems to me that the book has worded the question terribly. I think the only Force they want us to use is the weight of the rope. If you try that in, you get something very close to 1.6 sec for the time.

Harsh
 

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