Determining Amplitude of Standing Wave on a Guitar String

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the amplitude of a standing wave on a guitar string vibrating in its fundamental mode. The original poster presents a scenario involving a guitar string with specific parameters such as length, maximum transverse acceleration, and maximum transverse velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate the amplitude to known quantities but expresses uncertainty about the connection to wave parameters. Some participants suggest examining equations related to transverse velocity and acceleration to identify maximum values. Others discuss the relationship between the string length and wavelength, particularly in the context of the fundamental frequency.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring various equations and relationships. There is a mix of attempts to clarify concepts and derive the amplitude, but no consensus has been reached. One participant indicates they found a solution, while another requests further elaboration on the problem-solving process.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem involves specific constraints, such as the string being fixed at both ends and the relationship between length and wavelength. There is also mention of the requirement that the solution should not depend on the variable L.

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A guitar string is vibrating in its fundamental mode, with nodes at each end. The length of the segment of the string that is free to vibrate is L. The maximum transverse acceleration of a point at the middle of the segment is a and the maximum transverse velocity is v.

What is the amplitude of this standing wave?

I worked out the fundamental frequency, which I think is v/2L, but I'm not sure how to get A, since all of the formulae that I know relating to A involve k.

Any help would be great.

Thanks.
 
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Have a look at the equations for the transverse velocity and acceleration of the wave:

\frac{\partial y}{\partial t} = \omega A\sin(kx - \omega t)
\frac{\partial^2y}{\partial t^2} = -\omega^2A\cos(kx - \omega t).

What are the maximum values these quantities can assume?
 
Last edited:
Ok, as the guitar string is fixed on both sides . its wavelength(Y) is related to length as:

<br /> L= \frac{nY}{2}<br />

For fundamental frequency , n=1

Therefore,

<br /> <br /> L= Y/2<br />

Now max. transverse acceleration is given by:
a=Aw^2

you know a and w (because you know frequency)

Calculate A.
 
I ended up with aL^2/(pi^2*v^2), but it states that it does not depend on the variable L.
 
Thats ok... i found it
 
Care to elaborate as to how to solve this problem?
 

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