Reducing Wave Speed by Half: Understanding the Equation and Its Components

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the concept of reducing wave speed by a factor of two in the context of wave mechanics. The original poster presents a specific problem involving wave speed, tension, mass, and length, along with the relevant equation for wave speed.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to clarify the meaning of reducing wave speed by a factor of two and how it relates to their calculations. Some participants question the interpretation of the equation and the resulting values derived from it.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the original poster's question and the calculations involved. There is an exchange of thoughts regarding the interpretation of the factor of two and the discrepancies in the calculated results.

Contextual Notes

The original poster provides specific values for tension, mass, and length, but there may be confusion regarding the application of these values in the equation. The discussion reflects a lack of consensus on the interpretation of the problem and the calculations involved.

cseet
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Hi all,
can anybody pls explain what is reduce the wave speed by factor of 2?

question:
original v(string) = 265m/s
F (tension) = 500N
m (mass) = 0.005kg
l (length) = 0.7m


Equation:
v = sqrt of [F / (m/l)]
therefore m = (F * l) / v square

but I though reduce speed by the factor of 2 = divided by 2?? pls kindly advise.
thanks
cseet
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Reduce by a factor of 2 does mean divide by 2.

cookiemonster
 
Hi Cookiemonster,
that's what I thought, but when I did the equation, the answer I got is 20g but the answer is 15g... can you explain that?
thanks
cseet
 
What exactly is the question? I thought all you asked was what reducing by a factor of 2 meant.

cookiemonster
 

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