Sound & Music, String Frequency

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the frequency of the second mode of a vibrating string, given its length, mass per unit length, and tension. The context is within the subject area of wave mechanics and harmonic frequencies in strings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of wave speed using the tension and mass per unit length, with one participant attempting to compute the frequency based on the second mode. There is a correction regarding a typographical error in the formula used, and questions arise about significant figures in the final answer.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on calculations and clarifying the correct interpretation of the equations involved. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of significant figures in the context of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of significant figures based on the provided data, which may affect the final presentation of their results.

Torrie
Messages
29
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement


Suppose a string is 0.50 m long, it has a mass per unit length of 1.2 g/m, and it is under a tension of 52 N. What is the frequency of the second mode of this string? Express your answer in the SI unit for frequency?

Homework Equations


f = Vs/2L Vs = sqrt (F/μ)

The Attempt at a Solution


I attempt to answer the second equation first to get Vs. Vs = sort (52 N/.0012 kg/m) And then plug 43333.33 into 43333.33/ 2(.50), and my answer is obviously wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Torrie said:
I attempt to answer the second equation first to get Vs. Vs = sort (52 N/.0012 kg/m) And then plug 43333.33 into 43333.33/ 2(.50), and my answer is obviously wrong.

No doubt the "sort" was meant to be "sqrt". Did you forget to take the square root?
 
It was meant to be sqrt. Thank you so much!
So the answer then is 208.17. Which means the frequency of the second mode is 416.33 Hz?
 
Torrie said:
It was meant to be sqrt. Thank you so much!
So the answer then is 208.17. Which means the frequency of the second mode is 416.33 Hz?
Looks good!

You might want to be careful about specifying too many significant figures in any result you hand in. How many significant figures does your given data suggest that you use?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K