Waves -- How does increasing tension affect frequency and period?

In summary, the simulation shows that increasing tension does not necessarily affect frequency in a simple progressive wave. However, for standing (stationary) waves, the frequency increases as tension increases, but only for the harmonics. The simulation also includes advanced features that may be confusing for someone learning at an introductory level.
  • #1
jerad908
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Homework Statement
How does increasing tension affect frequency and period (T)?
Relevant Equations
none
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  • #2
If you pull gut of violin or guitar tighter so with higher tension the scratch sound gets higher pitch so higher frequency. Period T is inverse of its frequency f, T=1/f.
 
  • #3
jerad908 said:
Homework Statement:: How does increasing tension affect frequency and period (T)?
Relevant Equations:: none

Using this stimulation: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/wave-on-a-string/latest/wave-on-a-string_en.html

It looks like frequency is decreasing as I increase tension but online it says frequency increases as tension does. Also, I am unsure about what happens to the Period
There is missing information. It is not clear if you are asking about a simple progressive (travelling) wave or a standing (stationary) wave. Also, if you are referring to the simulation, you would need to indicate what settings you used.

Also, you said “It looks like frequency is decreasing as I increase tension”. Even with the missing information I’d guess you have got this wrong - check again!

You said "online it says frequency increases as tension does". Note that this statement is only true for the harmonics of standing (stationary) waves. [Edit: In the case of progressive waves, the frequency is not affected by the tension - the frequency is that of the oscillator.]

Additional Note.
The simulation in your link is for standing (stationary) waves and is quite sophisticated. It includes transient effects and also the driver is not at a node. These 'advanced' features could confuse someone learning at an introductory level.
 

1. How does increasing tension affect the frequency of waves?

Increasing tension in a medium results in an increase in the frequency of waves. This is because tension causes the medium to become stiffer, allowing the waves to travel faster and therefore, increasing the number of waves that pass through a point in a given amount of time.

2. Does increasing tension affect the period of waves?

Yes, increasing tension also affects the period of waves. As the frequency increases, the period decreases. This is because the period is the amount of time it takes for one complete wave to pass through a point, and with an increase in frequency, there are more waves passing through in the same amount of time.

3. Is there a direct relationship between tension and frequency?

Yes, there is a direct relationship between tension and frequency. As tension increases, frequency also increases. This can be seen in the mathematical equation for frequency, where frequency is directly proportional to the square root of tension.

4. How does increasing tension affect the speed of waves?

Increasing tension in a medium does not directly affect the speed of waves. However, as mentioned before, tension can cause the medium to become stiffer, which in turn, can increase the speed of waves. This is because stiffer mediums allow waves to travel faster.

5. Can increasing tension affect the wavelength of waves?

Yes, increasing tension can affect the wavelength of waves. As tension increases, the wavelength decreases. This is because the speed of waves is directly proportional to the wavelength, so as the speed increases due to increased tension, the wavelength decreases.

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