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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration due to gravity (g) on Planet X using a stretched string and standing wave frequencies. The astronauts utilize a 2.5 m string with a mass of 5.0 g and a 1.3 kg weight, observing standing waves at frequencies of 64 Hz and 80 Hz. The correct value of g is determined to be 5 m/s², achieved by recognizing that the observed frequencies correspond to the nth and (n+1)th modes of vibration rather than the fundamental frequency. The solution involves applying the fundamental frequency equation and linear density calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and standing waves
  • Familiarity with the fundamental frequency equation for a stretched string
  • Knowledge of linear density calculations
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between frequency and mode numbers in wave mechanics
  • Learn about the effects of tension and mass on wave speed in strings
  • Explore the concept of natural frequencies and harmonics in physics
  • Practice solving problems involving tension and frequency in stretched strings
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, as well as educators seeking to explain concepts related to standing waves and gravity calculations.

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

Linear Density of a string
\mu = \frac{mass}{length}


The Attempt at a Solution



Ts = 1.3kg(g)

\mu = \frac{0.005kg}{2.5m} = 0.002

L = 1.8m

f1 = 64Hz

Place in Fundamental frequency equation and solve for g.


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

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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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.
 
I am still lost...
 

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