Frequency of a Standing Wave on a String

AI Thread 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.
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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
 
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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
 
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