Calculate the wave speed in each string

[nick85]

In Fig. 17-30a, string 1 has a linear density of 2.30 g/m, and string 2 has a linear density of 4.10 g/m. They are under tension owing to the hanging block of mass M = 500 g.



(a) Calculate the wave speed in each string.
m/s (speed in string 1)
m/s (speed in string 2)

(b) The block is now divided into two blocks (with M1 + M2 = M) and the apparatus rearranged as shown in Fig. 17-30b. Find M1 and M2 such that the wave speeds in the two strings are equal.
g (mass of M1)
g (mass of M2)

why wouldn't the speed in string 1 be given by the sqr root of (500*9.8)/(4.1)?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Hootenanny]

A mass of 500g is five hundred grams not five hundred times g. Remember mass is not a force.

-Hoot