Relationship Graph Between Frequency and Tension

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between frequency (f) and tension (T) in a wire, specifically examining whether the graph of f versus T passes through the origin. It is established that f is proportional to the square root of T, leading to the conclusion that the curve does not pass through the origin because a wire can vibrate at a specific frequency without any tension. The y-intercept of the curve represents the natural frequency of the wire, which is undefined when tension is zero, indicating that the wire cannot vibrate without tension.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and vibration principles
  • Familiarity with graphing mathematical relationships
  • Knowledge of the concept of natural frequency
  • Basic experience with tension in physical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of frequency and tension relationships in strings
  • Study the concept of natural frequency in various physical systems
  • Investigate the implications of zero tension on vibrational modes
  • Learn about the graphical representation of square root functions and their properties
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the dynamics of vibrating strings and wave mechanics.

Stormblessed
Messages
24
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement



After plotting a graph with frequency (f) of a wire on the y-axis and tension (C-Clamps) on the x-axis, a root curve was obtained. If the trend of the line is maintained, does it pass through the origin? Should it?

Note: graph attached

Homework Equations



f is proportional to square root of T

The Attempt at a Solution



I said that the curve would not pass through the origin if the line was hypothetically extended, as the wire can still vibrate at a specific frequency without any tension. Therefore, the y-intercept of the curve would represent the natural frequency of the wire.

I still feel like this response is wrong, however, because when I plotted a graph of f^2 vs T, the resulting line passed through the origin. But based on the f vs T graph, it doesn't look like it would pass through the origin. I also do not know for sure if the y-intercept of the curve represents the natural frequency of the wire and if the line should pass through the origin.
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
If the tension is zero, then where is the restoring force, when you pull on the string?
 
Sorry, my phone went a little haywire multiple posts.
 
scottdave said:
If the tension is zero, then where is the restoring force, when you pull on the string?

Is the restoring force zero since
scottdave said:
Sorry, my phone went a little haywire multiple posts.


Is the restoring force zero, since tension is zero? How would that relate to the curve going through the origin or not?
 
if tension zero, wire cannot vibrate.
I know this experimentally because I can play guitar-like instruments and bowed instruments! :)
natural frequency of a wire is undefined.
 
musician ilhan said:
if tension zero, wire cannot vibrate.
I know this experimentally because I can play guitar-like instruments and bowed instruments! :)
natural frequency of a wire is undefined.

So that means the curve does pass through the origin then?
 
  • #10
scottdave said:
If the tension is zero, then where is the restoring force, when you pull on the string?

I'm assuming that it will go through the origin, as the wire cannot vibrate without tension
 
  • #11
Stormblessed said:
I'm assuming that it will go through the origin, as the wire cannot vibrate without tension
Yes, you are correct. It is hard to tell if your square root curve will extrapolate and hit the origin.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
17K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K