Finding gravity on Planet X from a string, a weight, and frequency

In summary, astronauts visiting Planet X use a 2.5 m-long string with a mass of 5.0 g to create standing waves by tying it to a support and hanging a 1.3 kg mass on the free end over a 1.8 m pulley. Their data shows standing waves at frequencies of 64 Hz and 80 Hz, with no frequencies in between. To determine the value of g, the acceleration due to gravity on Planet X, the fundamental frequency equation is used with the given data. However, it is important to note that the given frequencies may not necessarily correspond to the first and second natural modes of vibration, which may explain why previous attempts at solving for g have been unsuccessful.
  • #1
LBRRIT2390
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0

Homework Statement



Astronauts visiting Planet X have a 2.5 m-long string whose mass is 5.0 g. They tie the string to a support, stretch it horizontally over a pulley 1.8 m away, and hang a 1.3 kg mass on the free end. Then the astronauts begin to excite standing waves on the string. Their data show that standing waves exist at frequencies of 64 Hz and 80 Hz, but at no frequencies in between.

What is the value of g, the acceleration due to gravity, on Planet X?

Homework Equations



Fundamental frequency of a stretched string
f1=[tex]\frac{1}{2L}[/tex][tex]\sqrt{\frac{T_s}{\mu}}[/tex]

Linear Density of a string
[tex]\mu[/tex] = [tex]\frac{mass}{length}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



Ts = 1.3kg(g)

[tex]\mu[/tex] = [tex]\frac{0.005kg}{2.5m}[/tex] = 0.002

L = 1.8m

f1 = 64Hz

Place in Fundamental frequency equation and solve for g.


64Hz=[tex]\frac{1}{2(1.8m)}[/tex][tex]\sqrt{\frac{1.3*g}{0.002}[/tex]

for f1 = 64Hz, I got g = 81

I tried substituting different frequencies and using a different L but I could not arrive at the correct answer which is g=5 m/s2


Can someone please teach me how to arrive at this correct answer?
 
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  • #2
Here's a couple of hints.

You're given two data points in the question - that standing waves exist at the two given frequencies. So it's likely that both of them are required to arrive at the answer.

It's tempting to assume that the given data occur at the first and second natural modes of vibration, but from the wording of the question, all we can really say for sure is that they exist at the nth and (n+1)th modes - since it's given that no standing waves were found to exist at frequencies in between. Hence, we're not necessarily dealing with the fundamental frequency (n = 1) case.

Hope this helps.
 
  • #3
I am still lost...
 

1. How can a string, weight, and frequency help find gravity on Planet X?

The string, weight, and frequency are used to conduct a simple pendulum experiment to measure the acceleration due to gravity on Planet X. By measuring the length of the string, the mass of the weight, and the time it takes for one full swing of the pendulum, we can calculate the acceleration due to gravity using the formula g = (4π²L)/T², where g is the acceleration due to gravity, L is the length of the string, and T is the period of the pendulum.

2. What is the significance of using a string in this experiment?

The string is used to suspend the weight and create a simple pendulum. The length of the string is a crucial factor in determining the acceleration due to gravity, as it affects the period of the pendulum swing. A longer string will result in a longer period and a smaller acceleration due to gravity, while a shorter string will result in a shorter period and a larger acceleration due to gravity.

3. How does the weight affect the measurement of gravity on Planet X?

The weight is used as the mass in the simple pendulum experiment. The mass of the weight affects the period of the pendulum swing, with a heavier weight resulting in a longer period and a smaller acceleration due to gravity, and a lighter weight resulting in a shorter period and a larger acceleration due to gravity. Therefore, the weight must be carefully chosen and measured to ensure accurate results.

4. Can the frequency of the pendulum swing be used to find gravity on Planet X?

Yes, the frequency of the pendulum swing is directly related to the acceleration due to gravity. The frequency is the number of swings per unit of time, and it can be calculated by dividing the period of the pendulum by the number of swings. As the acceleration due to gravity is inversely proportional to the period squared, a higher frequency will result in a smaller acceleration due to gravity, and a lower frequency will result in a larger acceleration due to gravity.

5. Are there any limitations to using this method to find gravity on Planet X?

Yes, there are some limitations to this method. The string, weight, and frequency must be accurately measured to ensure precise results. Additionally, this method assumes that the pendulum is swinging in a vacuum, with no air resistance. In reality, there may be other factors, such as air resistance and the mass and density of Planet X, that could affect the measurement of gravity using this method. Therefore, this method should be used as an approximation and may not provide exact results.

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