Amplitude of Standing Wave in Fundamental Mode

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a guitar string vibrating in its fundamental mode, with specific parameters such as length, maximum transverse acceleration, and maximum transverse velocity provided. Participants are exploring the relationship between these parameters to determine the amplitude of the standing wave.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the wave equation and differentiate it to find relationships between amplitude, velocity, and acceleration. Some participants question the differentiation process and the timing of maximum values for velocity and acceleration.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, identifying potential errors in differentiation and discussing the implications of maximum values occurring at different times. There is an ongoing exploration of how these factors relate to finding the amplitude.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the time variable in the wave equation and the relationship between maximum velocity and maximum acceleration, which are not occurring simultaneously. This indicates a need for further clarification on these concepts.

Thomas_
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Homework Statement


A guitar string is vibrating in its fundamental mode, with nodes at each end. The length of the segment of the string that is free to vibrate is 0.381m. The maximum transverse acceleration of a point at the middle of the segment is 8200 m/s^2 and the max. transverse velocity is 4m/s.

What is the amplitude of the standing wave?

Homework Equations


[tex]y(x,t)=Asin(kx)sin(\omega t)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I figured that the wavelength in fundamental mode is given by [tex]\lambda = 2L = 0.762[/tex]. Then k is [tex]k=\frac{2\pi}{\lambda}[/tex].
The partial der. of the wave equation are:

[tex]\frac{\partial y}{\partial t}=\omega Asin(kx)cos(\omega t) = 4[/tex]
[tex]\frac{\partial^2 y}{\partial t^2}=- \omega^2 Asin(kx)sin(\omega t) = 8200[/tex]I'm not sure what to do next. The time variable in the equation is confusing me, there are 3 unknowns (omega, t, A) but I only have these two equations.
 
Last edited:
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Not sure you are differentiating correctly, at least for the 2nd derivative. Also, what can you say about the times t with respect to the overall period T where the max velocity and max acceleration occur. There not at the same t, right?
 
When its said maximum, it means the sines and cosines are =1.
 
Ups sorry, the differentiation error was just a typing mistake ;)

Also, what can you say about the times t with respect to the overall period T where the max velocity and max acceleration occur. There not at the same t, right?
When the velocity is maximum, the acceleration at that point should be 0? So it can't be the same t. But how does that help me?
 
Thomas_ said:
When the velocity is maximum, the acceleration at that point should be 0? So it can't be the same t. But how does that help me?

See michalll's hint...
 

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