How Is Kinetic Energy Calculated for a 1D Oscillating String with One End Free?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the average kinetic energy of a one-dimensional oscillating string that is fixed at one end and free at the other. The original poster provides specific parameters such as string length, tension, and amplitude, and seeks to understand the relationship between these variables and the kinetic energy of the string's motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the nature of the standing wave on the string, with some attempting to derive the frequency and wave vector using boundary conditions. Questions arise regarding the correct application of wave equations and the implications of the string being fixed at one end.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, exploring different aspects of wave mechanics and the necessary equations. Some have suggested looking into the relationship between tension, linear density, and wave speed, while others are clarifying the implications of the boundary conditions on the wave shape and frequency. There is a recognition of the need for additional information to fully resolve the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of certain parameters, such as the linear density of the string, which is critical for calculating wave speed and subsequently the kinetic energy. The original poster expresses difficulty in finding relevant study materials to aid in their understanding of the topic.

Atheel
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1. A given string length L, connected at one end while the other end is free. Assume that the string moves in one dimensional, ie, the amplitude can be described by a function of the shape of his y (x, t).
What is the average kinetic energy (as a string), assuming it moves with the lowest frequency possible?
Given that when the string is perfectly horizontal its tension = To and amplitude motion is A.
T0 = 2.76 [gram*cm/sec2]
L = 5.25 [cm]
A = 5.86 [cm]


2. <sin2(at)>=<cos2(at)>=1/2. (average)

3. With boundary conditions find the frequency of the wave vector, and then calculate the kinetic energy

Homework Statement

 
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Welcome to PF;
I see three questions there - how have you attempted to answer them?
 
hey

its only one question not three... I have tried to find the frequency using: y(0,t)=0
y=A*cos(kx+wt)
but then I don't know how to find the σ to use: Ek= σ*(A^2)*(ω^2)/2T * ∫cos^2(kx+wt)

thnx
 
Oh I see, the numbers refer to the sections in the standard question template... so "3" is your attempt.

The question refers to a standing wave on a string length L, with only one end fixed.
The lowest frequency standing wave has a special name - what is it called?
You should be able to work out the shape of that wave and, thus, the wavelength, and from that and the wave speed, you get the frequency.
 
I think it called the fundamental.
the shape of the wave is y=Acos(kx-wt) (asuming that the left edge of the string is stable). then I know that y(0,t)=0. the wave length is 2*L ? but how do I use the tension...
 
Atheel said:
I think it called the fundamental.
the shape of the wave is y=Acos(kx-wt)
By that equation, y(0,t)=Acos(wt) ... i.e. the x=0 end is not fixed, totally contradicting what you write below. Also according to that equation, the amplitude is the same for any value of x - does that make sense?

I know that y(0,t)=0. the wave length is 2*L ?
Wavelength would be 2L if the string were fixed at both ends. Is it?

The tension and the linear mass density are used to calculate the wave speed.
That's the next step after getting the wavelength.
You should have notes about this.
 
I think I should use: y(x,t)= A*e^i(kx+wt) + B*e^-i(kx+wt)
nd then y(0,t)=0 should I also try dy/dt =0 ?
its all missed up I am tring to solve this question more than two days.. the problem is I don't have material to stdy about this type of questions... do u have some examples or some good material that I should read befor trying solving this?
thnx a lot!
 

Homework Statement


A given string length L, connected at one end while the other end is free. Assume that the string moves in one dimensional, ie, the amplitude can be described by a function of the shape of his y (x, t).
What is the average kinetic energy (as a string), assuming it moves with the lowest frequency possible?
Given that when the string is perfectly horizontal its tension = To and amplitude motion is A.
T0 = 2.76 [gram*cm/sec2]
L = 5.25 [cm]
A = 5.86 [cm]

Homework Equations


<sin2(at)>=<cos2(at)>=1/2. (average)

The Attempt at a Solution


With boundary conditions I should find the frequency of the wave vector, and then calculate the kinetic energy.. right? but how! "I should be able to work out the shape of that wave and, thus, the wavelength, and from that and the wave speed, you get the frequency."
 
I think I should use: y(x,t)= A*e^i(kx+wt) + B*e^-i(kx+wt)
Good grief, whatever for?!

I guess you need a primer for standing waves ... putting standing waves into a search engine should get you any number.

A string fixed at both ends, the waveform has a node at each end and an antinode in the middle. ##\lambda=2L##
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/waves/string.html

A string fixed only at one end has a node at that end and an antinode at the other end.
The math is the same as the link above, but the wavelength is longer. You should be able to see by sketching it out.
 
  • #10
I think you need the linear density of the string to get the wave speed.
 
  • #11
oh so in my case wavelength= 4*L ! right?!
 
  • #13
Well done!
The same webpage tells you how to get the wave speed too.
From the wave speed and the wave length you can get the frequency, period, and angular frequency.
Average kinetic energy is a bit trickier.
 
  • #14
Atheel said:

Homework Statement


A given string length L, connected at one end while the other end is free. Assume that the string moves in one dimensional, ie, the amplitude can be described by a function of the shape of his y (x, t).
What is the average kinetic energy (as a string), assuming it moves with the lowest frequency possible?
Given that when the string is perfectly horizontal its tension = To and amplitude motion is A.
T0 = 2.76 [gram*cm/sec2]
L = 5.25 [cm]
A = 5.86 [cm]

Homework Equations


<sin2(at)>=<cos2(at)>=1/2. (average)

The Attempt at a Solution


With boundary conditions I should find the frequency of the wave vector, and then calculate the kinetic energy.. right? but how! "I should be able to work out the shape of that wave and, thus, the wavelength, and from that and the wave speed, you get the frequency."

(Two threads merged into one)
 
  • #15
ok now I have a problem, I think the wave speed is the same as the two sides fixed string... if I am right, then I need the density to work it out but I don't have it!
 
  • #16
Yeah - no density ... but you have a better picture of what is going on than before.
The equation would be: ##y(x,t)=A\sin(\pi x/2L)\cos(\omega t)## - but you don't know ##\omega##.
You need extra information to get it - check that what you have supplied in post #1 is everything.
 
  • #17
I think I should use this: "Given that when the string is perfectly horizontal its tension = To and amplitude motion is A." ??
 
  • #18
The prof. says: "Mu is is the mass per unit volume , if you look at what;s given in the question you can see that you can make it up from the given data as well"
can u give me a hint?
 
  • #19
OK "mass per unit volume" is the density.
Do you know the volume of the string? (You have the length - you need the diameter or the radius or the cross-sectional area.)
(note: this is stuff that is not in post #1 - please make sure that all the information you are supplied is present.)

If you can get the area, then you have the mass per unit length.
From there you can find the wave-speed ... and then the frequency.
 

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