A question about a vibrating string

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the physics of a vibrating string, specifically relating to the fundamental frequency of a violin string and the effects of finger placement on pitch. The original poster presents a scenario where a violinist must determine the correct position for finger placement to achieve a specific note and the resulting frequency range from vibrato.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the speed of wave propagation and its implications for frequency changes when the length of the vibrating string is altered. There is confusion regarding the placement of the finger and the calculation of harmonics, with some questioning the use of whole numbers for harmonic modes.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing alternative calculations and interpretations. There is recognition of differing approaches to the same problem, and while some participants express confidence in their understanding, others are still clarifying their reasoning.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the assumptions regarding wave speed and harmonic numbers, with some participants noting discrepancies in expected results. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to navigate the complexities of the problem without reaching a definitive conclusion.

jianghan
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Homework Statement



"Vibrato" in a violin is produced by sliding the finger back and forth along the vibrating string. The G-string on a particular violin measures 30cm between the bridge and its far end and is clamped rigidly at both points. its fundamental frequency is 197Hz
(a) how far from the end should the violinist place a finger so that the G-string plays the note A(440Hz)?
(b)If the violinist executes vibrato by moving the finger 0.50 cm to either side of the position in part(a),what is the resulting range of frequencies?

Homework Equations


f=nV/2L=nf1

The Attempt at a Solution


i assume speed of wave would remain the same so v=f1x(2L)=118.2m/s
λ=118.2/440=0.269m
as the rigid end of the string is node,so the finger should be put at next node which is 0.5λ away,that is 0.269/2=0.134m, but the answer is 0.166m. also i think n should be whole numbers but in this case i couldn't get n to be a whole number.
 
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jianghan said:
i assume speed of wave would remain the same so v=f1x(2L)=118.2m/s
λ=118.2/440=0.269m
as the rigid end of the string is node,so the finger should be put at next node which is 0.5λ away,that is 0.269/2=0.134m, but the answer is 0.166m. also i think n should be whole numbers but in this case i couldn't get n to be a whole number.


You have determined the speed of propagation correctly. However, then you got confused by thinking about harmonics. While in this case, by placing a finger on the string, the violinist changes the length of the string and, consequently, the fundamental frequency.
 
I did it slightly different and got an answer of 0.134m too.
 
0.134 m is the vibrating length of the string, between the bridge and the finger. So the finger has to be placed at (0.3-0.134)=0.166 m distance from the end of the string.

ehild
 
ok,thank you all for your help! i think i can do both parts now. the second part ans is 424-457Hz which is relatively easy
 

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