Solving the Sound Wave Problem of Two Identical Violin Strings

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving two identical violin strings, initially tuned to a fundamental frequency of 440.0 Hz. One string is retuned, resulting in a beat frequency of 1.5 beats per second when both strings are plucked simultaneously. Participants are exploring the implications of this change in tension and frequency.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks assistance in determining the highest and lowest possible fundamental frequencies of the retuned string, as well as the fractional changes in tension. Some participants discuss the relationship between frequency and tension, questioning their approach to calculating these changes.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, sharing hints and clarifying concepts. One participant expresses gratitude for a hint that helped them correct their approach. Another participant raises a concern about their method for calculating the fractional change in tension, indicating ongoing exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the relationship between frequency and tension, with participants referencing relevant equations. The discussion includes hints provided to guide understanding without revealing complete solutions.

Lakers08
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Two identical violin strings, when in tune and stretched with the same tension, have a fundamental frequency of 440.0 Hz. One of the strings is retuned by adjusting its tension. When this is done, 1.5 beats per second are heard when both strings are plucked simultaneously.

-What is the highest possible fundamental frequency of the retuned string?
-What is the lowest possible fundamental frequency of the retuned string?
-By what fractional amount was the string tension changed if it was increased?
-By what fractional amount was the string tension changed if it was decreased?

please help me get started I am totally stomped, thanks
 
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HINT: The beat frequency is the difference between the two frequencies.
 
thanks a lot, lol for some reason i had the equation with a plus sign, thanks for the hint if it wasent for you i would be stuck here all night.
 
ummm just ran into another problem in this question, for the third part "by what fractional amount was the string changed?"

Iam using that the fundamental frequency of a string is proporional to the velocity of the waves which is proportional to the square root of the Tension in the string:

for example : f_2 = sqrt(T2/T1)*f_1

I am plugging in the frequency that i got for part a? for example 440 will go on f_1 and 442 will go on f_2 and then i solve for the ratio of T2/T1 but somehow I am missing something or I am doing this wrong, someone please help
 
HINT:

[tex]\frac {\delta T}{T} = 2 \frac {\delta f}{f}[/tex]
 
thanks a lot
 

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