Linear Mass Density: Find 8.9866e-4 m/s to g/m

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating linear mass density using the relationship between velocity and tension, specifically through the equation v = √(T/μ), where μ represents linear mass density. The participant derived a value of 8.9866 × 10^-4 but questioned the units of this result. It was clarified that while velocity is measured in m/s, linear mass density is not expressed in these units. Instead, the correct unit for linear mass density is g/m, which can be derived from the tension and velocity units used in the calculations.

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  • Understanding of linear mass density and its significance in physics.
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions and their properties.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between tension, velocity, and linear density.
  • Basic grasp of unit conversions, particularly between Newtons and grams per meter.
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  • Study the derivation of linear mass density from the wave equation in strings.
  • Learn about unit conversions in physics, specifically from Newtons to grams per meter.
  • Explore the application of natural logarithms in physical equations.
  • Investigate the significance of y-intercepts in linear regression analysis for experimental data.
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Students in physics, particularly those studying wave mechanics, as well as educators and anyone involved in experimental physics and data analysis.

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Linear Mass Density!

Homework Statement



Find linear mass density using a graph ln(v) vs ln(T), from Velocity=squareroot Tension/linear density, take natural log ln(v) = 1/2 ln(T)-1/2ln(m). our professor told us to find it this way cause 1/2ln(m) is the y-intercept of the best fit line of five trials

Homework Equations


so y-intercept=-1/2ln(m). for y intercept I got 3.5073 from an experiment done in lab.

The Attempt at a Solution


I got 8.9866 * 10^-4 for linear mass density. but after all that my main question is what are the units? would they be m/s? if so how do I convert it to g/m?

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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it depends on units in which v and T are given. you have to extract units from formula Velocity=squareroot Tension/linear density.

Units of right and left parts of equation must be the same.
 


the units for tension are Newtons and the units for velocity are hertz times meters, which is just m/s. So i didn't know if taking the natural log of tension and velocity changes the units or are they the same?
 


logarithm equation and equation without logarithm are eqivalent
if [v]=m/s, it doesn't mean that [ln(v)]=m/s of course. They are two different numbers representing the same velocity and can't have the same dimension.
but if you are consistent with formulas you have in your calculations, you will get right units from the initial equation.

because

ln(v) = 1/2 ln(T)-1/2ln(m)

is the same as

ln(v)=ln(sqrt(T/m))

is the same as

v=sqrt(T/m), m=T/v*v.

So, if [T]=N, [v]=m/s, you can easily extract [m]. And it is not m/s.
 

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