Overtones in a string (equation for wave)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the wave equation for the first harmonic of a string, given its fundamental tone and a specific sound intensity level condition. The subject area includes wave mechanics and sound intensity relationships.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate the amplitude of the first harmonic to the fundamental tone based on the sound intensity level difference. Some participants question the relationship between amplitude and intensity, while others reflect on the proportionality of intensity to amplitude squared.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the implications of the amplitude relationship and its effect on the wave equation. There is acknowledgment of differing interpretations regarding the amplitude factor in the first harmonic's wave equation, but no explicit consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references an answer key that suggests a specific amplitude for the first harmonic, which raises questions about the calculations leading to that conclusion. There is also mention of external resources for further clarification on wave energy and intensity.

Incand
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Homework Statement


A string has the fundamental tone of
##s_1 = A_1\sin (\omega_1 t - k_1 x)##
Determinate the wave equation for the first harmonic of the string if the sound intensity level of the harmonic is 20dB lower than the fundamental tone. ##\omega_1 = 1360/s## and ##k_1 = 4/m##.

Homework Equations


Sound intensity level
##L = 10\lg (\frac{I_1}{I_0} )##
Sound intensity is proportional to the wave amplitude squared

##I \sim A^2##

The Attempt at a Solution


Sound intensity level
##-20 = 10\lg( \frac{I_2}{I_1}) \Longleftrightarrow I_2 = 0.01I_1##
Amplitude relationship
##\frac{A_2}{A_1} = 0.1 \Longleftrightarrow A_2 = 0.1A_1##
The first harmonic got double the frequency so
##s_2 = 0.1A_1 \sin(2 \omega_1 t - 2 k_1 x)##
which is wrong. According to the answer key it should be
##s_2 = 0.05A_1\sin(2 \omega_1 t-2k_1 x)##
Why is it 0.05?
 
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As I recall the intensity of a wave is proportional to the square of its amplitude. But perhaps I'm rusty.
 
TSny said:
Energy of a wave on string depends on ##\omega## as well as ##A##.

See http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/waves/powstr.html
Cheers!

CWatters said:
As I recall the intensity of a wave is proportional to the square of its amplitude. But perhaps I'm rusty.
Always a bit tricky, luckily we got TSny to link us the formula :)
 

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