Calculating Tension of Steel Wire in Piano to Tune to Middle C

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the tension required for a steel wire in a piano to produce the note of middle C at a frequency of 261.6 Hz. The wire has a length of 56.8 cm and a mass of 5.0 g. The equation used for this calculation is u*(f²L)² = F, where 'u' represents the mass per unit length. The calculated tension is approximately 441,572.63 N, although the user expresses uncertainty regarding the correctness of their equation and unit substitutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave frequency and tension in strings
  • Familiarity with the equation u*(f²L)² = F
  • Basic knowledge of unit conversions (grams to kilograms, centimeters to meters)
  • Ability to calculate mass per unit length for a wire
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the wave equation for vibrating strings
  • Learn about the relationship between tension, frequency, and mass per unit length
  • Explore unit conversion techniques for physics calculations
  • Investigate practical applications of tension calculations in musical instruments
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, music instrument makers, and anyone interested in the acoustics of stringed instruments.

angelgurl619
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Homework Statement


A steel wire in a piano has a length of 56.8 cm and a mass of 5.0 g. To what
tension must this wire be stretched in order that the fundamental vibration
correspond to the note of middle C (f = 261.6 Hz)?


Homework Equations


u*(f2L)^2 = F




The Attempt at a Solution


(5g)*(261.6Hz*2*.568m)^2= F
=441572.63?

I'm not sure if that's the right equation or if I substituted my values correctly.
 
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First thing to do is check your units.
 

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