Period of Oscillation for a Standing Transverse Wave on a Flexible String

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the period of oscillation for a standing transverse wave on a flexible string, given specific parameters such as string length, tension, and mass. The original poster attempts to calculate the period based on their findings of wave velocity and wavelength.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster calculates the wave velocity and attempts to find the wavelength by dividing the string length by the number of waves. They then calculate the period but express uncertainty about the correctness of their result. Other participants question the interpretation of the wave count and clarify the definition of a complete wave.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing supportive feedback on the original poster's calculations while others seek clarification on the wave configuration. There is no explicit consensus on the interpretation of the wave count, and multiple viewpoints are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the definition of wave characteristics, particularly the distinction between complete and partial waves, which may affect the calculations. The original poster's calculations are based on their interpretation of the wave configuration on the string.

collegegirl13
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A snapshot of a standing transverse wave on a flexible string is taken when the displacement is at a maximum showing two trough's and two peaks(1.5 waves). The string is 1.52 m long with tension 4.00 N. The total mass of the string is 10.81 g. Find the period of the oscillation.

I found the velocity to be 23.715m/s
So then I took the length of the string and divided it by the number of waves which was 1.5 and I got 1.01333.
Then to find the period I divided the 1.01333 by 23.715 to get 0.0427s, but it isn't right I don't get what I am doing wrong help please...
 
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two trough's and two peaks(1.5 waves)

isn't "two troughs and two peaks 2 complete waves (not 1.5)?
 
It is 1.5 waves because from peak to peak is one wave
 
Your answer 0.0427s looks correct to me, if it is 1.5 wavelengths on the string.

Just to clarify something: is one end of the string right at a peak, and the other end right at a trough? Or is each end of the string at the "zero point" (neither a peak nor a trough)?
 

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