Calculating Wave Speeds of Steel Guitar Strings

  • Thread starter Ignis Radiis
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In summary: The ratio of the wave speeds in the two strings can be found by taking the square root of the ratios of their tensions and mass per unit lengths. In summary, the ratio of wave speeds, VA / VB, for two steel guitar strings with different diameters and tensions can be found using the equation v=√(T/¢).
  • #1
Ignis Radiis
39
2

Homework Statement


Two steel guitar strings have the same length. String A has a diameter of 0.50 mm and is under 410.0 N of tension. String B has a diameter of 1.0 mm and is under a tension of 820.0 N. Find the ration of the wave speeds, VA / VB
in these two strings.

Homework Equations


V= ƒ λ
FT = FG

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm lost on where to start...:oldcry::oldconfused::oldconfused::oldcry:
 
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  • #2
Ignis Radiis said:

Homework Statement


Two steel guitar strings have the same length. String A has a diameter of 0.50 mm and is under 410.0 N of tension. String B has a diameter of 1.0 mm and is under a tension of 820.0 N. Find the ration of the wave speeds, VA / VB
in these two strings.

Homework Equations


V= ƒ λ
FT = FG

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm lost on where to start...:oldcry::oldconfused::oldconfused::oldcry:
Amongst your standard equations, you should have one that relates wave speed in a string/wire to tension and mass per unit length.
 
  • #3
Ignis Radiis said:

Homework Statement


Two steel guitar strings have the same length. String A has a diameter of 0.50 mm and is under 410.0 N of tension. String B has a diameter of 1.0 mm and is under a tension of 820.0 N. Find the ration of the wave speeds, VA / VB
in these two strings.

Homework Equations


V= ƒ λ
FT = FG

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm lost on where to start...:oldcry::oldconfused::oldconfused::oldcry:
v=√(T/¢)
T= tension in wire
¢= mass per unit length
 

1. What is the formula for calculating wave speed?

The formula for calculating wave speed is v = λf, where v represents wave speed, λ represents wavelength, and f represents frequency.

2. How do you measure wave speed?

Wave speed can be measured by dividing the distance the wave travels by the time it takes to travel that distance. This is known as the speed equation, v = d/t.

3. What factors affect wave speed?

The factors that affect wave speed include the medium through which the wave is traveling, the tension of the medium, and the temperature of the medium. Wave speed also varies for different types of waves, such as sound waves and electromagnetic waves.

4. How does wave speed relate to wave frequency and wavelength?

There is a direct relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength. As wave speed increases, frequency and wavelength also increase. This means that waves with higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths and travel faster than waves with lower frequencies.

5. Why is it important to know the wave speed?

Knowing the wave speed is important in many scientific fields, such as seismology, oceanography, and telecommunications. It allows us to understand and predict how waves will behave in different environments, which can help with things like earthquake detection and designing efficient communication systems.

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