Finding Tension Of A Spring In Waves

AI Thread Summary
A sinusoidal wave on a string with a speed of 8.0 cm/s and a linear density of 7.0 g/cm was analyzed to find the tension. The initial calculation of tension was incorrect due to a failure to square the wave speed in the formula V = sqrt(Tension/linear density). The correct formula is V^2 = T/μ, leading to a revised tension of 896 N. This highlights the importance of careful calculation and verification in physics problems. Accurate results are crucial for understanding wave mechanics.
GingerBread27
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Finding Tension Of A Spring In Waves-Figured Out ALready

A sinusoidal wave is traveling on a string with speed 8.0 cm/s. The displacement of the particles of the string at x = 30 cm is found to vary with time according to the equation y = (5.0 cm) sin[15.0 - (4.0 s^-1)t]. The linear density of the string is 7.0 g/cm.

What is the tension?

Now I just thought V=sqrt(Tension/linear density), meaning you would do 8=sqrt(T/7). This gives Tension=448 N. This answer is wrong. Any ideas?

Never Mind Figured it out! Stupid Mistake
 
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Great job on figuring it out! It's always important to double check your calculations and equations to avoid any mistakes. In this case, it looks like you forgot to square the speed when plugging it into the equation. The correct equation would be V^2 = T/μ, where μ is the linear density. This would give you a tension of 896 N, which is double your previous answer. Keep up the good work!
 

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