Standing wave on a guitar string

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a guitar string vibrating in its fundamental mode, with specific parameters provided such as the length of the string segment, maximum transverse acceleration, and maximum transverse velocity. The goal is to determine the amplitude of the standing wave.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate the maximum transverse acceleration and velocity to the amplitude using the wave equation. Some participants question how the maximum values of the sine and cosine functions apply to the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging in a back-and-forth exploration of the relationships between the parameters given and the mathematical functions involved. Guidance has been offered regarding the maximum values of sine and cosine functions, suggesting a pathway to simplify the equations for amplitude calculation.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about the relevance of the maximum values of the sine function to their calculations. There is an implication of needing to differentiate the displacement equation to progress further.

ronny45
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Homework Statement


A guitar string is vibrating in its fundamental mode, with nodes at each end. The length of the segment of the string that is free to vibrate is 0.380m. The maximum transverse acceleration of a point at the middle of the segment is 8700m/s^2 and the maximum transverse velocity is 3.10m/s. What is the amplitude of this standing wave?



Homework Equations



y (x,t)= Asinkxsin[tex]\omega[/tex]t

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 2L = 0.760m
k= 2[tex]\pi[/tex]/[tex]\lambda[/tex]=8.267
A= -[tex]\omega[/tex]^2 y(x,t)=8700m/s^2
v y(x,t)=derivative of y(x,t) wrt t = 3.10 where y=0 (v max)
This is where I get stuck.
 
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Remember, what is the highest value a sin function can have (ie what is the max of sin(anything) )?
 
max of sin (anything) is 1. Em, I'm genuinely sorry if I'm being really obtuse here, but how does that help me?
 
No problem.

Also, I forgot to mention, keep in mind what is max of cos as well.

As you were given the max acceleration/velocity, it stands to reason that the sin values in your equation would be max, right? So, differentiate your displacement equation with respect to t, and pop in the trig values. This will give two much simpler equations, which you can use to solve for amplitude.
 

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