Solving a Physics Problem: Transverse Wave Travel Time

AI Thread Summary
The problem involves calculating the time for a transverse wave to travel along a rope with a suspended mass. The mass of the rope and the suspended mass are considered in the wave speed calculation. The initial attempt yielded a wave speed of approximately 7.44 m/s, leading to a travel time of about 0.32 seconds. However, this solution was deemed incorrect after review by tutors, suggesting a possible misunderstanding of how tension is distributed along the rope. Further analysis, potentially involving calculus, may be necessary to accurately determine the tension and wave speed.
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Homework Statement


Algebra based physics: A 23 kg mass is suspended from the bottom of a rope of length 2.4 m and mass 17 kg. The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2.
Find time for a transverse wave to travel the length of the rope. Answer in units of sec.


Homework Equations


u= mass rope/ length rope
F=mg
v= d/t


The Attempt at a Solution


u= 17kg / 2.4m = 7.0833333

v= sqr (17+23)(9.8)/7.0833333
v= 7.439165039

t= d/v
t= 2.4m / 7.439165039
t= 0.322616851 s

This answer is wrong and I've had 2 tutors look over this but couldn't figure where the problem is.
 
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The mass of the rope is the medium the tension distributes across but it is not the source of the tension...although, if you want to be a bit more certain...you could use a bit of calculus to find the tension at various parts of the rope (it does change along its length...but you probably don't need to take this into account).
 
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