Fundamental Frequency of 6m String Vibrating at 16.5Hz

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the fundamental frequency of a 6m string that is vibrating with 3 loops at a frequency of 16.5Hz. Participants are exploring the relationship between harmonics and fundamental frequency in the context of wave mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of equations related to frequency and wavelength, questioning how to apply them to find the fundamental frequency. There is uncertainty about the relationship between the number of loops (harmonics) and the fundamental frequency.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the concepts of harmonics and their relationship to the fundamental frequency. Some guidance has been offered regarding visual aids and the importance of understanding the harmonic series.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of figures or sketches to aid understanding, and there is a request for clarification on the definition of loops in relation to harmonics. The original poster expresses confusion about the application of the equations provided for the problem.

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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