Calculating Frequency of Standing Wave on a Fixed String | Physics Homework Help

  • Thread starter Thread starter Workout
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Wave
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the frequency of a standing wave on a fixed string, with a specific focus on a string that is 2.0 meters long and has a wave speed of 78 m/s. The original poster is attempting to determine the frequency based on the number of wavelengths present in the standing wave.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the wave speed formula but questions the accuracy of their calculated frequency. Participants suggest considering the number of wavelengths in the standing wave and question the interpretation of the provided figure.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing guidance on how to approach the calculation of frequency based on the number of wavelengths. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct interpretation of the figure and the implications for the calculation.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the number of wavelengths in the standing wave, which affects the frequency calculation. The original poster also expresses uncertainty about the units of frequency and the validity of their formula.

Workout
Messages
38
Reaction score
0
I've never taken physics before and this is my first physics class in university.

Homework Statement


A string, 2.0 meters in length, is fixed at both ends and tightened until the wave
speed is 78 m/s. What is the frequency of the standing wave shown in the figure?


Homework Equations


v=nv/2L because it is fixed at both ends


The Attempt at a Solution


so f = (78m/s)/(2)(2)
and I get 19.5 Hz but that's not the right answer. It's too small. Help please?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It seems like there's some information missing in your outline of the problem. Perhaps try multiplying by an integer, n, that is the number of wavelengths the standing wave is comprised of.
 
Okay I actually just tried that. Here's the picture to the problem:

ScreenShot2012-09-16at80313PM.png


I thought the number of wavelengths was 6, but that doesn't seem to be right? Am I reading the picture wrong?
 
there's only 3 wavelengths in that picture;)
 
haha okay I see that now. So then I'd do

f = (78m/s)(3m)/(2m)(2)

and I'd get 58.5 which doesn't make sense. my answer either has to be A) 350Hz B) 230Hz C) 120Hz D) 470Hz and it's neither. so is my formula wrong maybe? because isn't frequency supposed to have units s? because that gives me units m/s.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K