Sound wave no idea how to do it

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a thin, taut string oscillating in its third harmonic, described by a specific wave equation. Participants are tasked with analyzing various aspects of the wave, including its amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and the effects of changing the harmonic mode.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants discuss visualizing the standing wave pattern and compare it to known expressions for standing waves. Others question the accuracy of calculated values for wave speed and frequency, suggesting alternative methods for deriving these quantities.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering insights and corrections to each other's calculations. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the relationships between wavelength, frequency, and wave speed, with some guidance being provided on how to approach the eighth harmonic scenario.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on understanding the properties of standing waves and the implications of harmonic changes. Some participants express urgency due to an upcoming exam, indicating a time constraint that may influence the depth of discussion.

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Homework Statement



(a) A thin, taut string tied at both ends and oscillating in its third harmonic has its shape
described by the equation
y(x,t) = 5.60cm (sin[(0.0340 rad/cm)x]sin[(50.0 rad/s)t]),
where the origin is at the left end of the string, the x-axis is along the string and the
y-axis is perpendicular to the string.
(i) Draw a sketch that shows the standing wave pattern. (3 marks)
(ii) Find the amplitude of the two traveling waves that make up this standing wave.
(2 marks)
(iii) What is the length of the string? (2 marks)
(iv) Find the wavelength, frequency, period, and speed of the traveling waves. (4 marks)
(v) Find the maximum transverse speed of a point on the string. (2 marks)
(vi)What would be the equation y(x,t) for this string if it were vibrating in its eighth
harmonic? (3 marks)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



the only thing i can think to do with this is stick the whole thing in my 89 and do it like that??
 
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pat666 said:

Homework Statement



(a) A thin, taut string tied at both ends and oscillating in its third harmonic has its shape
described by the equation
y(x,t) = 5.60cm (sin[(0.0340 rad/cm)x]sin[(50.0 rad/s)t]),
where the origin is at the left end of the string, the x-axis is along the string and the
y-axis is perpendicular to the string.
(i) Draw a sketch that shows the standing wave pattern. (3 marks)
(ii) Find the amplitude of the two traveling waves that make up this standing wave.
(2 marks)
(iii) What is the length of the string? (2 marks)
(iv) Find the wavelength, frequency, period, and speed of the traveling waves. (4 marks)
(v) Find the maximum transverse speed of a point on the string. (2 marks)
(vi)What would be the equation y(x,t) for this string if it were vibrating in its eighth
harmonic? (3 marks)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



the only thing i can think to do with this is stick the whole thing in my 89 and do it like that??

I recognise the exam is tommorow so here is what I got from another source.


Solution:
Visualize: What does the third harmonic mode look like ?
y(x,t) = (5.60cm) sin [(0.0340 rad/cm)x] sin [(50.0 rad/s)t]
Compare with standing wave expression
y = 2A sin kx sin ωt
λ3
L
(a) Recall that a standing wave is the sum of two identical traveling waves moving opposite each other. At the anti-nodes, the two waves constructively interfere into a standing wave with an amplitude twice the original amplitude of either traveling wave (we showed this in class!) . In fact,
y (for standing wave) = 2A sin kx sin ωt
Thus, by comparison to the given equation, 2A = 5.6 cm so A = 2.8 cm
(b) From the picture you should note that λ3 = 2L/3 or L = (3/2) λ3
Or you can always get this from the expression for fundamental modes: f3 = 3(v/2L) = v/λ3.
But the wavenumber k gives 2π/λ and examination of the expression above gives k = 0.034 rad/cm = 3.4/m so that λ = 2π/k = 2π/(3.4/m) = 1.85 m. Thus L = (3/2) λ3 = 2.78 m
(c) The wavelength of traveling waves is the same as the standing wave: λ = 1.85 m
(d) The frequency and period of the traveling waves is the same as the standing wave.
Comparison of the sin ωt term with the given expression gives
ω = 50 rad/s or f = ω/2π = 7.96 Hz.
and T = 1/f = 0.1256 sec
(e) The speed of the traveling wave is given by v = λf = (2.78 m)(7.96Hz) = 22.13 m/s
(f) Maximum transverse speed of a point on the string can be found by taking dy/dt and maximixing this.
dy/dt = (5.60 cm)(50 rad/s) sin [(0.0340rad/cm)x] [cos (50 rad/s)t]. The maximum values of sin and cos is 1 so the maximum dy/dt must be (5.6 cm)(50 rad/s) = 280 rad/
 
cool thanks. how close to the actual exam do you reckon the practice test actually is??
 
From what I have seen in the maths 11218 exam I would think very close
 
ya that math exam was close to the practice and fricken easy
 
hi in the solution you provided they have listed

(e) The speed of the traveling wave is given by v = λf = (2.78 m)(7.96Hz) = 22.13 m/s

is this correct? it seems to me the wavelength λ = 2pi/k or 2pi/3.4m = 1.85m thus v=1.85m * 7.96Hz = 14.70m/s

comments?

edit: also for question
(vi)What would be the equation y(x,t) for this string if it were vibrating in its eighth
harmonic? (3 marks)

-I get amplitude remains the same
k is = 2pi/lamda
new k needs new lamda
remember 8th harmonic, lamda = 2L/n with same string length
lamda = 2*2.775m/8
= 0.69375
k= 2pi/0.69375
= 9.05684rad/m
/100
0.0905rad/cm

since we now have a new lamda we must have a new frequency and we know that wave speed is the same as it is a property of the string and so f=v/lamda f=14.7/0.69375 = 21.1892Hz
so new frequency is 21.2Hz which is 21.2*2pi = 133.136rad/s

so new formula is

y(x,t) = (5.60CM) sin [(0.0905 rad/cm)x] sin [(133rad/s)t]

sound about right?
ps thanks for doing a fair bit of the question asking this semester pat666 ;)
 
Last edited:
(e) The speed of the traveling wave is given by v = λf = (2.78 m)(7.96Hz) = 22.13 m/s

is this correct? it seems to me the wavelength λ = 2pi/k or 2pi/3.4m = 1.85m thus v=1.85m * 7.96Hz = 14.70m/s

comments?

Thanks! you are right, didn't notice the mistake.
 
i finally get how to do this f********* question, its not actually that hard once you see what's going on. thanks for all the help!
 

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