Melde's Exp: Why Transverse & Longitudinal Arrangements Differ?

In summary, the reason for the difference in working formulas for transverse and longitudinal arrangements in Melde's experiment is due to the fact that the standing wave of the string is driven by the vibration of the prong of the tuning fork. The tension in the string varies during vibration, with the number of times it reaches a maximum differing between transverse and longitudinal modes. For transverse vibrations, the prong of the fork tends to increase the tension in the string once per cycle, while for longitudinal vibrations, the prong tends to increase the tension twice per cycle.
  • #1
TachyonLord
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6

Homework Statement


Why working formula for transverse and longitudinal arrangement in melde experiment different in Melde's experiment ?

Homework Equations


None. The corresponding equations are all derived from the same fact.

The Attempt at a Solution


So, I have understood that the tuning fork and the string complete one oscillation simultaneously in tranverse mode whereas its half the oscillation in longitudinal mode, but why is it so ? What causes the longitudinal oscillations to have a lower frequency ?
 
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  • #2
The standing wave of the string is driven by the vibration of the prong of the tuning fork. Note that the standing wave of the string is a transverse wave for both the transverse and longitudinal arrangements of the the tuning fork.

When a string vibrates transversely, the tension varies a little during the vibration due to the fact that the string must stretch a little as it displaces from equilibrium.
(1) During each full cycle of vibration of the string, how many times does the tension reach a maximum?

Suppose the prong of the fork vibrates transversely to the line along which the string is stretched.
(2) For each full cycle of vibration of the prong, how many times does the prong tend to increase the tension in the string?

Now suppose the prong of the fork vibrates parallel to the line along which the string is streched.
(3) For each full cycle of vibration of the prong, how many times does the prong tend to increase the tension in the string?
 

1. What is Melde's Experiment?

Melde's Experiment is a scientific experiment that demonstrates the difference between transverse and longitudinal wave arrangements. It involves using a vibrating string to create standing waves, which can be observed and measured.

2. What is the purpose of Melde's Experiment?

The purpose of Melde's Experiment is to show how different arrangements of waves can affect the properties of the waves, such as their frequency and wavelength. This can help scientists better understand the behavior of waves and their applications in different fields.

3. How does Melde's Experiment demonstrate the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

In Melde's Experiment, the string is attached to a vibrator at one end and a weight at the other end. When the vibrator is turned on, it creates waves that travel along the string. In the transverse arrangement, the waves move perpendicular to the direction of the string, while in the longitudinal arrangement, the waves move parallel to the string.

4. What factors can affect the results of Melde's Experiment?

Some factors that can affect the results of Melde's Experiment include the tension of the string, the length of the string, and the frequency of the vibrations. These factors can change the properties of the waves and therefore alter the observed results.

5. What are the real-world applications of Melde's Experiment?

Melde's Experiment has numerous real-world applications, such as in the development of musical instruments, the study of seismic waves, and the design of structures to withstand earthquakes. It also has applications in medical imaging and telecommunications, where understanding the behavior of waves is crucial.

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