Normal mode of string in third harmonic

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a string vibrating in the third harmonic with a wave speed of 186 m/s and a frequency of 225 Hz. The amplitude at the antinode is 0.0037 m. The user calculates the time taken for the string to transition from its maximum upward displacement to its maximum downward displacement, identifying the first antinode at t=1/900 s. The user encounters a division by zero error when attempting to calculate time for the second antinode, indicating a misunderstanding of the wave function at that position.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics, specifically harmonic motion
  • Familiarity with the wave equation: y(x,t)=(Asw sin(kx))(sin(omega*t))
  • Knowledge of concepts such as nodes and antinodes in standing waves
  • Basic trigonometry and calculus for solving wave equations
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  • Review the concept of standing waves and their harmonic frequencies
  • Study the derivation and application of the wave equation in different contexts
  • Learn about the implications of nodes and antinodes in wave behavior
  • Explore the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and wave speed in harmonic motion
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding harmonic motion in strings.

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Homework Statement


A string that is fixed at both ends is vibrating in the third harmonic. the wave has a speed of 186m/s and a frequency of 225Hz. the amplitude of the string at an antinode is 0.0037m.

How much time does it take the string to go from its largest upward displacement to its largest downward displacement at this point?

Homework Equations


y(x,t)=(Aswsin(kx)(sin(omega*t))



The Attempt at a Solution


I think there is a node at x=0 and the third harmonic means there are three antinodes between x=0 and x=L. Therefore the antinodes are located at x=1/6L,1/2L,5/6L and the nodes are located at x=0,2/6L,4/6L,L. I set 0.0037m=y(1/6L,t)=(Aswsin(kx))(sin(omega*t)) and solve for t where
L=186/225*3/2
Asw=0.0037
k=(2pi*225)/186
x=1/6L
omega=2pi*225
I found the first antinode to occur at t=1/900s
However when I solve for t with x=2/6L I cannot calculate t because it requires me to divide by zero because sin(k*2/6L)=0
what am i doing wrong?
 
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This is just a thought that might simplify things a lot, the frequency of the wave describes how many times the wave passes a point per second, in this case an antinode. Also, each time the wave passes an antinode it has completed one full cycle from peak to trough and back to peak again.
 

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