Changing string length -> changing fundamental freq.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the length of a violin string required to achieve a fundamental frequency of 528 Hz, given that a 0.5 m string produces a frequency of 440 Hz. The solution involves using the formula for the nth harmonic's wavelength, leading to a calculated string length of 0.416 m. The key point raised is whether the wave velocity remains constant at 440 m/s despite the change in string length, with the consensus that if tension and linear density are unchanged, the wave velocity remains the same.

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Lavabug
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Homework Statement


Don't have the solution, just want to check if I did this properly.

A 0.5 m violin string fixed at both ends has its first harmonic or fundamental frequency at 440 Hz. Assuming the string is non dispersive, calculate the length it should have so its new fundamental frequency will be 528 Hz.


Homework Equations


The nth harmonic's wavelength is 2L/n, where L is the length of the string.
[tex]\lambda[/tex][tex]\upsilon[/tex] = v

The Attempt at a Solution


Apparently the phase velocity of the given fundamental harmonic is 440m/s.

If I want a new [tex]\upsilon[/tex] of 528 Hz, I'd need a string of length = v/2[tex]\upsilon[/tex], so 440/2(528) = 0.416m. A shorter string = higher frequency which makes sense, but my question is: how is the velocity of the wave still 440 m/s? I just shortened the string, wouldn't the tension be greater necessarily(or the linear density decreased as a consequence), hence the velocity would change?

For the sake of simplicity: does the new fundamental harmonic at 528Hz still propagate at 440m/s along the string?
 
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Lavabug said:
A shorter string = higher frequency which makes sense, but my question is: how is the velocity of the wave still 440 m/s? I just shortened the string, wouldn't the tension be greater necessarily(or the linear density decreased as a consequence), hence the velocity would change?

You can choose the tension in the shorter string the same as in the longer one. (It is not stretched to the original length). So the linear density stays the same.




ehild
 

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