Calculating Next 3 Harmonics of a Standing Wave

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the next three harmonics of a standing wave, starting from the first harmonic with a given length L. Participants are exploring the relationships between wavelength, frequency, and the characteristics of standing waves.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive the wavelengths and frequencies of the next harmonics based on the first harmonic's properties. There is confusion regarding the correct formulas and the physical interpretation of nodes and antinodes in standing waves.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the nature of standing waves, noting the fixed endpoints and the implications for harmonic frequencies. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach to calculating the next harmonics, and multiple interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the constraints of standing waves with one fixed and one open end, which limits the harmonics to odd-numbered frequencies. There is also mention of specific formulas and relationships that may need further clarification.

Nano
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Homework Statement


Given the first harmonic, with length L, of a certain standing wave, what is the process for coming up with the next 3 harmonics for it?

Homework Equations


velocity = wavelength * frequency

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't understand how to draw the "next harmonic". I've come up with a formula for wavlenth of the first harmonic:
= (4/3)L
and with that, frequency
= (3v)/(4L)
 
Last edited:
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Take a butchers at this...

http://id.mind.net/~zona/mstm/physics/waves/standingWaves/standingWaves1/StandingWaves1.html"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Nano said:

Homework Statement


Given the first harmonic, with length L, of a certain standing wave, what is the process for coming up with the next 3 harmonics for it?


Homework Equations


velocity = wavelength * frequency


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't understand how to draw the "next harmonic". I've come up with a formula for wavlenth of the first harmonic:
= (4/3)L
and with that, frequency
= (3v)/(4L)

Well, for a standing wave the ends are fixed and therefore are nodes. In a sinusoidal wave the nodes are half a wavelength apart. In a string of length L, standing vibrations may be set up by different frequencies that give rise to waves that will have nodes at the endpoints. These wave will have wavelengths,

[tex]\lambda = 2L, \frac{2L}{2}, \frac{2L}{3},..., \frac{2l}{n}[/tex]

The wave speed c is the same for all frequencies, and as you say, [tex]c = f \lambda[/tex]

This should be enough for you to deduce the frequencies and the wavelengths of the harmonics (or overtones as they are sometimes called).
 
So as I've said that the wavelength of the first harmonic =(4/3)L, that means the wavelength of the second harmonic
= (4/3)L / n = (4/3)L / 2 = (2/3) L

Is this right?

By the way, the wave has a node at one end and is open at the other. In class we learned that standing waves with one open/one fixed end have only odd numbered harmonics. Why is this?
 
Last edited:

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