Simple Wavelength Problem (wire of fixed length vibrating)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to the wavelength of a vibrating wire of fixed length, specifically addressing the relationship between the number of antinodes and the wavelength calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the interpretation of the number of antinodes and its relation to the wavelength formula. There is confusion regarding the correct application of the formula and whether the number of antinodes directly corresponds to the number of wavelengths.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively questioning the validity of the official answer and the calculations presented. Some have offered alternative reasoning regarding the relationship between antinodes and wavelengths, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of conflicting interpretations of the problem, particularly regarding the expected outcome and the application of the wavelength formula. Participants express uncertainty about the correctness of the provided answers.

JoeyBob
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Homework Statement
See attached
Relevant Equations
wavelength = 2L/N
When the question says 8 antinodes, doesn't that mean N=8? but when I do 2L/8, I get 0.24.

To get the right answer you do 2LN, but that doesn't make sense to me for I thought the equation was 2L/N??
 

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JoeyBob said:
Homework Statement:: See attached
Relevant Equations:: wavelength = 2L/N

When the question says 8 antinodes, doesn't that mean N=8? but when I do 2L/8, I get 0.24.

To get the right answer you do 2LN, but that doesn't make sense to me for I thought the equation was 2L/N??
Are you saying the official answer is 16 times the length of the wire? Bizarre.
 
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I think the answer is wrong. There are 2 anti-nodes per wave length. Since you have 8 anti-nodes, there are 4 wavelengths on the wire. Therefore the wavelength is .24m which is what you got if you add units.
 
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haruspex said:
Are you saying the official answer is 16 times the length of the wire? Bizarre.
Yeah the correct answer is 15.36, I guess its just wrong.
 
JoeyBob said:
Yeah the correct answer is 15.36, I guess its just wrong.
Safe guess.
 
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