Determing wavelength of sound wave from steel string

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The wavelength of the sound wave produced by a 120 cm-long steel string under 100 N tension is calculated using the fundamental frequency and the speed of the wave in the string. The speed of the wave is determined to be 288.7 m/s, leading to a fundamental frequency of 143.3 Hz. The wavelength in air at 20 °C is found to be 2.86 meters, calculated using the formula λ = v/f0, where v is the speed of sound in air (344 m/s) and f0 is the fundamental frequency derived from the string's properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and sound propagation
  • Familiarity with the properties of strings and tension
  • Knowledge of fundamental frequency calculations
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between tension and wave speed in strings
  • Learn about harmonic frequencies in vibrating strings
  • Explore the effects of temperature on the speed of sound in air
  • Investigate the principles of standing waves and their wavelengths
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, music educators, and anyone interested in the acoustics of vibrating strings and sound wave propagation.

LBRRIT2390
Messages
29
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A 120 cm-long steel string with a linear density of 1.2 g/m is under 100 N tension. It is plucked and vibrates at its fundamental frequency.

What is the wavelength of the sound wave that reaches your ear in a 20 \circC room?

Homework Equations



Fundamental Frequency

f1 = \frac{v}{2L}

Fundamental Frequency of a stretched string

f1 = \frac{1}{2L}\sqrt{\frac{T_s}{\mu}}

Wavelengths of standing wave modes

\lambdam = \frac{2L}{m}

\lambdam = \frac{v}{f_m}

The Attempt at a Solution



I solved fundamental frequency as 143.3 then used

\lambdam = \frac{v}{f_m} to find the wavelength.

I also tried solving for fundamental frequency using

f1 = \frac{1}{2L}\sqrt{\frac{T_s}{\mu}}

All of my answers have been incorrect. Please help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Speed of wave in string: v = \sqrt{\frac{T_s}{\mu}}
Ts = 100N​
\mu = 0.0012kg/m​
v = 288.7​

Fundamental Frequency: F0 = \frac{v}{\lambda_0}
\lambda0 = 2L = 2*1.2​
\lambda0 = 2.4​

f0 = \frac{\sqrt{\frac{T_s}{\mu}}}{2L}

In the air:

\lambda = \frac{v}{f_0}

\lambda = \frac{v}{\frac{\sqrt{\frac{T_s}{\mu}}}{2L}}

\lambda = \frac{v2L}{\frac{\sqrt{T_s}}{\mu}}

\lambda = \frac{344m/s * 2.4}{288.7} = 2.86
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
20
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
13K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K