Calculating Fractional Increase in Tension for Beat Frequency Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the fractional increase in tension required for two identical piano wires to produce a beat frequency of 6.0 beats per second when both oscillate simultaneously at a fundamental frequency of 600 Hz. The solution involves using the equations for beat frequency and tension, specifically fbeat = f2 - f1 and T = µv². The final answer for the fractional increase in tension is determined to be 0.02, indicating that T2 is 1.02 times greater than T1.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and frequency concepts
  • Familiarity with the equations for beat frequency and tension in strings
  • Knowledge of the relationship between tension, mass per unit length, and wave speed
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations to solve for unknowns
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the beat frequency formula fbeat = f2 - f1
  • Learn about the relationship between tension and frequency in strings using T = µv²
  • Explore the concept of fractional increase and its applications in physics
  • Investigate the effects of tension changes on the pitch of musical instruments
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics and sound, as well as musicians and instrument makers interested in the physics of string tension and frequency.

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Homework Statement



Two identical piano wires have a fundamental frequency of 600 Hz when kept under the same tension.What fractional increase in the tension of wire will lead to the occurrence of 6.0 beat/sec when both wires oscillate simultaneously?


Homework Equations



fbeat=f2-f1

f=nv/2L

v=\sqrt{}T/\mu

The Attempt at a Solution



I used fbeat=f2-f1 to solve for f2 and ended up with 606Hz. I am really confused as to how to proceed. We were told that the answer should be 0.02 but I have know idea how to get that. Can you please give me a hint as to how to begin?

Thank you.
 
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You can also find the ratio of the tensions (that's what it means by fractional increase)

T=µv^2=µ*(2Lf/n)^2

so then look at T2/T1.
 
Mindscrape said:
You can also find the ratio of the tensions (that's what it means by fractional increase)

T=µv^2=µ*(2Lf/n)^2

so then look at T2/T1.

I tried doing that and at first I ended up with 1.02. After staring at it a little I released that I needed to subtract 1 from my answer to get the fractional increase.

Thanks so much for your help!
 
Well, the ratio between them is 1.02 like you said, so T2 is 1.02 times greater than T1, or in percentages 102%. Fractional increase and percent increase is how much over 1 or 100%, respectively, the numbers are. If someone says a shirt increases in price by 250% then the shirt is really 350% of what it used to be, NewPrice=3.5*OldPrice. I personally don't see why people don't just say the shirt is 350% what it used to be, or has increased to 350% of the old price, but I'm not the one making the rules. :)
 
if its so simple then do it yourself
 
Luongo said:
if its so simple then do it yourself

What are you talking about?
 

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