How Do Tension and Length Affect Fundamental Vibrations on a String?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between tension (T) and length (L) in the context of fundamental vibrations on a string. The relevant equation is L² = T/4샲, where μ represents linear mass density and ƒ is frequency. Participants confirm that plotting L² against T will yield a linear relationship, allowing for the determination of the gradient (m) and y-intercept (c). The importance of considering a non-zero value for c in experimental data is also emphasized.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fundamental vibrations in strings
  • Familiarity with the equation L² = T/4샲
  • Knowledge of linear mass density (μ) and its calculation
  • Basic graphing skills for plotting data
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the concept of linear mass density (μ) and its impact on string vibrations
  • Learn about the implications of non-zero y-intercepts in experimental data
  • Investigate the effects of varying tension on frequency in vibrating strings
  • Study graphing techniques for analyzing quadratic relationships in physics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and researchers interested in the dynamics of vibrating strings and the mathematical relationships governing their behavior.

bennyq
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Homework Statement


This is a prelab question which I hope for some confirmation I'm thinking right.
A vibrating string is vibrating in the fundamental mode. The question is to plot a graph with a succession of applied tensions T on the x-axis and the resultant length L of the fundamental vibration mode on the y-axis


Homework Equations



Formula I have is L^2 = T/4μƒ^2

The Attempt at a Solution


Im thinking that all its asking is to plot a function like y=mx+c where 1/4μƒ^2 is the gradient?

Something of the sort, then ill go on to calculate the linear mass density (μ), do some calculations plot L^2 against T and find this gradient and find the frequency...

Oh and sid
 
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You will notice from the formula that L(T) is not a straight line.
To get a line you want to plot L^2 vs T ... you will expect the data to fall on a line like
##L^2 = mT + c## ... so you have that right. Use the data to find m and c, compare with the theory.

You may want to anticipate the possibility (quite likely) that your data has a value of c that is non-zero.
 

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