Finding the length of a string given f, F, λ and m

  • Thread starter Thread starter romakarol
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Length String
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving the length of a string given specific parameters: frequency (f), force (F), wavelength (λ), and mass (m). The original formula used was f(λ)=sqrt[F/(m/L)], which led to an initial calculation of L that seemed questionable. After further exploration, the user discovered a simpler approach by calculating wave velocity (v) using the relationship v=λ*f, and then rearranging to find L as L=[(m)(V^2)]/F. This revised method appears to be more straightforward and aligns with the values provided in the problem. The conversation highlights the importance of verifying formulas and approaches in physics assignments.
romakarol
Messages
13
Reaction score
2
Going through my physics assignment tonight, so that's 10 questions I'll be posting. Since I'm thoroughly hopeless at this subject most of my attempts will be based on my elite google-fu or trawling through lecture notes, bear with me and thanks!

1. Homework Statement

frequency (f)=160hz
Force (F)=150 Newtons
wavelength (λ)=0.40m
mass(m)=6 grams

find the length of a string with these properties

Homework Equations


f(λ)=sqrt [F/(m/L)]

found this formula and the statement "solve for L" for this exact question online.
I put the values in above, I believe I interpreted them right.

The Attempt at a Solution


It seemed a bit dodge to re-arrange, but i got L on it's own to be:
L= [F/(fλ ^2)]/m
(with values)
[150/(160x0.40)^2]/6=0.0061m...I have a feeling I may be off here XD.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
romakarol said:
f(λ)=sqrt [F/(m/L)]
What is that equation? The right hand side (RHS) looks like the velocity of waves on a string...
 
I'm not sure, someone asked the same question as me on some website and that formula along with "solve for L" was the one-sentence reply. I used it because it seems to involve all the values listed in the question and can be used to find L. Is it incorrect?
 
Edit: see new post
 
Wait I found a simpler formula based on what you said:

upload_2016-4-8_2-10-7.png


I can get v since the wavelength and frequency is given (wavelength=v/frequency).

So if I re-arrange it to get L on its own, then L=[(m)(V^2)]/F, correct?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes berkeman
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'Calculation of Tensile Forces in Piston-Type Water-Lifting Devices at Elevated Locations'
Figure 1 Overall Structure Diagram Figure 2: Top view of the piston when it is cylindrical A circular opening is created at a height of 5 meters above the water surface. Inside this opening is a sleeve-type piston with a cross-sectional area of 1 square meter. The piston is pulled to the right at a constant speed. The pulling force is(Figure 2): F = ρshg = 1000 × 1 × 5 × 10 = 50,000 N. Figure 3: Modifying the structure to incorporate a fixed internal piston When I modify the piston...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top