Sound Waves Traveling Down a String

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the time it takes for a wave to travel down a string, specifically a 9.5m string with a mass of 55g and a tension of 6N. The correct formula to determine wave speed is v = √(F/M), where M is the mass per unit length. The user initially converted units incorrectly, leading to an erroneous calculation of wave speed and time. The correct approach involves using meters for length and kilograms for mass to achieve accurate results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and wave speed calculations
  • Familiarity with the concepts of tension and mass per unit length
  • Proficiency in unit conversion, particularly between grams and kilograms, and centimeters and meters
  • Knowledge of basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of wave speed formulas in string theory
  • Study unit conversion techniques for physics problems
  • Learn about the effects of tension and mass on wave propagation
  • Explore practical applications of wave mechanics in real-world scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to wave propagation in strings.

eagles12
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Homework Statement



A brother and sister try to communicate with a string tied between two tin cans. If the string is 9.5m long, has a mass of 55g and is pulled taut with tension 6N, how much time does it take for a wave to travel from one end of the string to the other?

Homework Equations



v=√(F/M)
M=mass/length
t=d/v

The Attempt at a Solution



First, I converted 9.5m to 950cm and 55g to .055kg
I used these to find M=.055/950
M=5.7* 10^-5
I used F=6N and divided that by M, then took the square root and i got
v=321.96
then I divided 950 by 321.96 in order to get the time, and got
t=2.95 but this is incorrect.
 
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eagles12 said:
First, I converted 9.5m to 950cm
Why? Meters is the units you want.
 

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