Frequency of a Standing Wave on a String

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between the frequency of a standing wave on a string and the tension applied to it. It is established that when tension is altered by a small amount, the frequency changes according to the formula deltaf/f = 0.5 * deltaT/T. Participants clarify that while tension increases, the wavelength remains constant, leading to confusion about how both frequency and wave speed can increase without changing wavelength. The conversation emphasizes that both frequency and wavelength are dependent on tension, and any change in tension affects both parameters. Ultimately, the participants seek to resolve the apparent contradiction regarding wavelength stability amid tension changes.
bcjochim07
Messages
366
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The frequency of a standing wave on a string is f when the string's tnesion is T. If the tension is changed by the small amount deltaT, witout changing the length, show tat the frequency changes by an amount deltaf, such that

deltaf/f = .5 * deltaT/T


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



v=sqrt(T/Mu)

f= (1/lambda)*sqrt(T/Mu) When tension is increased, the wavelength will still be the same

f+deltaf=(1/lambda)*sqrt((T+deltaT)/Mu)
so delta f=(1/lambda)*sqrt((T+deltaT)/Mu)-f

deltaf/f = [(1/lambda)*sqrt((T+deltaT)/Mu)-f]/((1/lambda)*sqrt(T/Mu))

deltaf/f = sqrt(T+deltaT)/sqrt(T) -1

But I can't get it simplified any more than this
 
Physics news on Phys.org
any thoughts on this one?
 
bcjochim07 said:
v=sqrt(T/Mu)

f= (1/lambda)*sqrt(T/Mu) When tension is increased, the wavelength will still be the same

If \lambda = \frac{v}{f} and \frac{dv}{dT}=\frac{1}{2\sqrt{T\mu}}, then how is it that the wavelength will be the same when tension is increased?

Regards,

Bill
 
It seems to me that if both f and v increase by some factor, that wavelength should remain the same, and if there is one wave still on the string when the tension changes very slightly, how could the wavelength change?
 
bcjochim07 said:
how could the wavelength change?

Because \frac{d\lambda}{dT}\neq 0. Therefore, both \lambda and f are functions of T.

Regards,

Bill
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
7K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K