Does Tension Affect Frequency and Velocity in Wave Equations?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between tension, frequency, and velocity in wave equations, specifically in the context of waves on a string with constant linear density and length. Participants are exploring how changes in tension affect frequency and velocity, particularly through the equations provided by the original poster.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining whether frequency is directly proportional to tension when other variables are held constant. There are questions about the implications of the square root in the equations and how it affects the relationship between frequency and tension.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's understanding of the equations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of proportionality and the need for numerical verification. Multiple interpretations of the relationships between the variables are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing examination of the assumptions regarding the relationships between frequency, tension, and other constants in the equations. Participants are questioning the validity of the original poster's conclusions based on their understanding of the mathematical relationships involved.

jvdamdshdt
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Homework Statement


Hello guys I am having problems with wave and frequency problems. I know the equation use to find frequency are ∫=λ/v and
∫=1/2L(\sqrt{FT/μ})

So my question is: if the length and μ are kept the same will FT be directly proportional? Will frequency increase as the tension increase?

*v=\sqrt{FT}
I have the same question about velocity when the μ is kept constant.

Homework Equations


v=\sqrt{FT}
∫=1/2L(\sqrt{FT/μ})

The Attempt at a Solution


I said when the velocity increases as the tension increases. I know that numbers in the numerator are directly proportional to what you are trying to find but the square root is throwing me off.
 
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Please specify the physics problem you are considering - I guess waves on a string with mass density µ.

So my question is: if the length and μ are kept the same will FT be directly proportional?
It does not make sense to ask "is [variable] proportional"? "Proportional" is a relation between two variables. The frequency and tension are not proportional to each other due to the square root - just plug in numbers to verify that.
##v=\sqrt{F_T}##
That is not right.

I said when the velocity increases as the tension increases.
Right.
 
mfb said:
Please specify the physics problem you are considering - I guess waves on a string with mass density µ.

It does not make sense to ask "is [variable] proportional"? "Proportional" is a relation between two variables. The frequency and tension are not proportional to each other due to the square root - just plug in numbers to verify that.
That is not right.

Right.
Thank you for the reply. I am having problems with the equations and general common sense question. Let's say an object on a string experiences Simple Harmonic Motion. The strings have the same linear densities and lengths. String one has FT while string two has 2FT. What can be said about their frequencies?

From the equation ∫=1/2L (\sqrt{FT/μ})

By removing the constants I am left with f=\sqrt{FT}
Q: By increasing the string by 2FT will the frequency increase by 2?
 
jvdamdshdt said:
By removing the constants I am left with f=\sqrt{FT}
No, you get f=c\sqrt{F_T} with some constant c.
20=5*4 does not imply 20=4 just because 5 is constant!

Alternatively, you can write f \propto \sqrt{F_T} ("f is proportional to the square root of FT").

Q: By increasing the string by 2FT will the frequency increase by 2?
Did you plug in some numbers?
FT=1N, FT=2N, use any µ you like. Which frequencies do you get?
 

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