# Fundamental frequency of violin string

1. Feb 10, 2009

### Nano

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A vibrating string on a violin is 330 mm long and has a fundamental frequency of 659 Hz. What is its fundamental frequency when the string is pressed against the fingerboard at a point 60 mm from its end?

2. Relevant equations
f = $$\overline{}nv$$/2L
wavelength = v/f

3. The attempt at a solution
I don't understand what to do with the 60mm. It splits the string into 2 unequal parts, which isn't a harmonic I recognize.

Last edited: Feb 10, 2009
2. Feb 10, 2009

### hage567

That's just telling you how much shorter the string is now. You are ignoring the 60mm part that is pinched off, and considering the length that remains. This is the length you are trying to find the fundamental frequency for.

3. Feb 10, 2009

### Nano

Oh, so there's no node there? So (330-60) mm (=270) is the new length, L, of the string. What do you do with the original frequency they gave you?
By the way, this is a string with a fixed node on both ends, right?

4. Feb 10, 2009

### hage567

Yes, that's correct.
You will need it to figure out the fundamental frequency of the 270mm length of the string.

You have the equations you need to solve this. You just need to find a way to relate the first string to the second string.

5. Feb 10, 2009

### Nano

That's what I don't understand--how are the two connected? They're not harmonics. I keep trying to use the formula f = nv/2L, but that doesn't work and it doesn't use the original frequency.
Intuitively, it seems that shortening the length of an already-vibrating string would increase the frequency, but I don't know how to derive this mathematically.

6. Feb 10, 2009

### Nano

Oh ok, I got it--I assumed that the velocity was 343 m/s, but you have to use the original frequency to calculate it.