# Physics Communication Questions

1. Mar 24, 2005

### aek

11. What is the formula that relates the fundamental frequency of a wave in a string to harmonic?

12. What two factors determine the velocity of a wave in a string? Which one of these quantities is varied between the strings of a guitar to give different notes?

If anyone has a answer to these questions, would you soo kindly help. Thanks

2. Mar 24, 2005

### Borxter

11.

The question is asking at what frequencies standing waves in a string occur.
So if you know your fundamental frequency, let's say it's f, then harmonics occur at nf where n = 0,1,2... (is an integer).
So, 1st harmonic is just your fundamental frequency f.
2nd harmonic (also called first overtone) is 2f.
3rd harmonic (second overtone) is 3f.
So on..

12.

velocity of a wave in a string is determined by the tension in the string and mass per unit length of the string.

$$v = \sqrt{ \frac{T}{m/L} }$$
where T is the tension, m and L are the mass and length of the string.

In a guitar, I believe each string has a different width, so mass / unit length is varied.

You could have probably found answers to these questions in you textbook.

3. Mar 25, 2005

### aek

Thanks

Thanks alot, i really appreciate it