Fundamental Frequency of 6m String Vibrating at 16.5Hz

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SUMMARY

The fundamental frequency of a 6m string vibrating with 3 loops at a source frequency of 16.5Hz is determined using the equation fn = nf1, where n represents the harmonic number. In this case, the fundamental frequency (f1) is calculated as f1 = fn/n, which results in f1 = 16.5Hz / 3 = 5.5Hz. The wavelength (λ) for the fundamental frequency is 4.8m, derived from the relationship L1 = λ/4. Understanding these relationships is crucial for solving similar problems in wave mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and harmonic frequencies
  • Familiarity with the equations fn = nf1 and L1 = λ/4
  • Knowledge of wavelength and frequency relationships (v = fλ)
  • Ability to interpret harmonic diagrams and their significance
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between harmonics and fundamental frequency in string vibrations
  • Learn about wave speed calculations using v = d/t
  • Explore visual resources on string harmonics and their diagrams
  • Study the effects of tension and length on the fundamental frequency of strings
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, string theory, and harmonic analysis. This discussion is also beneficial for educators seeking to clarify concepts related to fundamental frequencies and harmonics.

ElegantSir
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A string that is 6m long is vibrating with 3 loops in it. The frequency of the source is 16.5Hz.
What is the fundamental frequency of the string?

For the life of me I can't figure out how to solve this question. I found out that the wavelength is 4.8m but that's about it. If I use the equation fn = nf1 this is all I seem to be getting when I plug in the numbers. fn = 1 * 16.5Hz which is still equal to 16.5Hz...Id like to know what I am missing here.
 
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ElegantSir said:
A string that is 6m long is vibrating with 3 loops in it. The frequency of the source is 16.5Hz.
What is the fundamental frequency of the string?

For the life of me I can't figure out how to solve this question. I found out that the wavelength is 4.8m but that's about it. If I use the equation fn = nf1 this is all I seem to be getting when I plug in the numbers. fn = 1 * 16.5Hz which is still equal to 16.5Hz...Id like to know what I am missing here.

Please stop deleting the Homework Help Template. It is important for you to start your schoolwork threads using that template. For example, what are the "Relevant Equations" for this type of question?

Also, when there are "3 loops", what does that look like? Can you post a figure or a sketch? And when the string is vibrating at its fundamental frequency, what does that look like?
 
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I apologize for that.

The equations that I have been given to use for this unit are:
fn = nf1 - n being the nunber of cycles and f1 being the frequency
L1 = λ / 4 - L1 being the resonant wavelength
v = fλ
v = d / t

There are no figures or sketches for the question, I am strictly just going off of the numbers that it has given me.
All I know about the fundamental frequency in regards to the question is that it is the lowest possible frequency that I am trying to find, using the equation fn = nf1 to find it.
 
ElegantSir said:
I apologize for that.

The equations that I have been given to use for this unit are:
fn = nf1 - n being the nunber of cycles and f1 being the frequency
L1 = λ / 4 - L1 being the resonant wavelength
v = fλ
v = d / t

There are no figures or sketches for the question, I am strictly just going off of the numbers that it has given me.
All I know about the fundamental frequency in regards to the question is that it is the lowest possible frequency that I am trying to find, using the equation fn = nf1 to find it.

Well, it's pretty easy to use Google Images to find figures that can help you figure this out. I did a Google Images search on string harmonics, and got lots of figures like this one:

https://soundphysics.ius.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/harmonics.jpg
harmonics.jpg


So when you say "3 loops", is that like the 3rd harmonic diagram? And what is the relationship between the 3rd harmonic and the fundamental frequency?
 
The third harmonic diagram would be accurate to the equation. I am not sure what the relationships is between the third diagram and the fundamental frequency.
 
ElegantSir said:
The third harmonic diagram would be accurate to the equation. I am not sure what the relationships is between the third diagram and the fundamental frequency.

Count the little loop thingies... :wink:
 

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