Overtones in a string (equation for wave)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Incand
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    String Wave
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
3 replies · 2K views
Incand
Messages
334
Reaction score
47

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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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 :)