How Does Doubling Frequency Affect Wavelength on a Constant Tension String?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the effect of doubling the frequency on the wavelength of a wave traveling along a string, with the assumption that the tension in the string remains constant. The original poster seeks to understand the relationship between frequency and wavelength in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between frequency and wavelength, questioning the original poster's teacher's assertion about constant wavelength. Some participants attempt to apply mathematical relationships involving wave velocity and frequency.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their interpretations and reasoning. There is acknowledgment of the need for clarification regarding the nature of the waves (standing vs. traveling) and the implications of constant tension on wave velocity. No consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of specific variables and the original poster's request for mathematical confirmation of their predictions. There is also mention of potential misinterpretations of the question's focus.

BizzPhizz
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Homework Statement


This is a communication question, no variables given:

Predict what happens to the wavelength of a wave on a
string when the frequency is doubled. Assume that the
tension in the string remains the same. Confirm your
prediction mathematically.


The Attempt at a Solution



All I know is that my teacher said in a string the wave length is constant, so help me...

Please also show it mathematically c:

Thanks,
BizzPhizz
 
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What do you know about harmonics in strings, and how their wave lengths in the string relate to the string length?
 
Okay, Don't rage at me if I get this wrong, but

V=λ/τ or V=∫λ

∫ being frequency, I know the question stated there was no change in tension of the string so velocity must be constant.

I don't know why my teacher said wave length in a string is constant, if that's the case there would be no pitch.

So I can come to a conclusion that if frequency doubles, wave length halves..
 
I think I may have misinterpreted the question before. I thought this was about standing waves, but now I suspect it's about traveling waves. If so, the scenario is that some source is generating waves at one end of the string, and its frequency is then doubled, right? (But note that if this is right then your teacher's remark about wave length being constant does not apply here.)
What you can be sure about is that the velocity of the waves is constant (because the tension is constant). That being all correct, I agree with your conclusion.
 

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