Where'd I go wrong (sound problems)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a mass hanging from a cord and the formation of standing waves. The original poster attempts to determine the linear mass density of the cord based on the frequency of the wave and the number of loops formed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of wavelength and wave velocity, questioning the correctness of the original poster's answer and the interpretation of the variables involved, particularly the distinction between mass and linear mass density.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide feedback on the original poster's calculations, suggesting that the approach is largely correct but highlighting a misunderstanding regarding the variable that needs to be determined. This has led to a productive clarification of the problem's requirements.

Contextual Notes

The problem involves specific parameters such as mass, frequency, and the setup of the system, which are critical for determining the linear mass density. The original poster's confusion about the variable to solve for is noted, as it affects the interpretation of the solution.

Jacob87411
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A mass of 5 kg hangs from a cord around a light pulley. The length between the vibrator and the pulley is 2 m. (A) When the vibrator is set to a frequency of 150 hz, a standing wave with 6 loops is formed. What must be the linear mass density of the cord?

First I figured the wave length was 2/3 m because there were 6 loops over 2 m

The Wavelength is equal to velocity over frequency

2/3 = V/150
V=100 M/s

V = the squareroot of Ft (force of tension in the rope) divided by the mass of length

The Squareroot of Ft/(m/L) = V
Ft = 49
L=2/3
m=desired variable
v=100

I got .0033 kg for the answer when I plugged this all in. The correct answer is .0049. Thanks for the help
 
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It looks good to me... Are you sure the "correct" answer is actually correct?
 
Jacob87411 said:
A mass of 5 kg hangs from a cord around a light pulley. The length between the vibrator and the pulley is 2 m. (A) When the vibrator is set to a frequency of 150 hz, a standing wave with 6 loops is formed. What must be the linear mass density of the cord?

First I figured the wave length was 2/3 m because there were 6 loops over 2 m

The Wavelength is equal to velocity over frequency

2/3 = V/150
V=100 M/s

V = the squareroot of Ft (force of tension in the rope) divided by the mass of length

The Squareroot of Ft/(m/L) = V
Ft = 49
L=2/3
m=desired variable
v=100

No, read the question again. m is NOT the desired variable, it is m/L that you are required to determine. You would have noticed this if you looked at the units of the solution, kg/m (not kg).

What you've done so far is correct, but now you just have to find the linear density, [itex]\rho = m/L[/itex] from the equation :
[tex]\sqrt{{\frac{49}{\rho}}} = 100[/tex]
 
Ahhh, thank you, that makes sense
 

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