What is the Simple Quantity That Determines Standing Wave Energy?

In summary, the expression T(tension)/(mu*f^2) represents a constant ratio for configurations of a string that yield four antinodes. The quantity it equals is either lambda^2 or A^2, as determined by the equation c = \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}} = c=\nu\lambda.
  • #1
~angel~
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The expression T(tension)/(mu*f^2) shows that no matter what the tension, and frequency are, as long as there are the same amount of nodes in the string, the ratio is always the same.

The reason that the ratio in the previous part always comes out the same, regardless of which of the many possible configurations of the string that give four antinodes you chose, is that the ratio actually equals a much simpler quantity that will always be the same for configurations of the string that yield four antinodes. Which of the following gives that quantity? Here E is the energy of the wave, and A is the amplitude.

a.lambda b.lambda^2 c.E d.E^2 e.A f.A^2

I'm not sure what the answer is. Would someone please help.

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Just by looking at the equation you can tell that it is going to have dimensions of length squared. So the answer is either lambda^2 or A^2. The wave speed in a rope is given by [itex]c = \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}[/itex] which is also equal to [itex]c=\nu\lambda[/itex]. Equating these expressions, you may then write down what [itex]\frac{T}{\mu\nu^2}[/itex] is equal to.
 
  • #3
Oh ok. Thanks for that.
 

1. What are standing waves and how do they form?

Standing waves are a phenomenon that occurs when two waves, traveling in opposite directions, interfere with each other. This results in a stationary pattern of energy, where certain points called nodes have no displacement and other points called antinodes have maximum displacement. Standing waves can be formed by reflecting a wave off a fixed endpoint or by two waves with the same frequency and amplitude traveling in opposite directions.

2. How is energy involved in standing waves?

In standing waves, energy is constantly being exchanged between potential energy and kinetic energy. The antinodes have maximum kinetic energy and no potential energy, while the nodes have maximum potential energy and no kinetic energy. This energy exchange allows the standing wave to maintain its shape and amplitude.

3. What factors affect the energy of a standing wave?

The energy of a standing wave can be affected by several factors, including the amplitude, frequency, and tension of the wave. A higher amplitude or frequency will result in a higher energy standing wave, while a higher tension can increase the energy by increasing the speed of the wave.

4. How can standing waves be used in real-world applications?

Standing waves have many practical applications, such as in musical instruments, where they create specific tones and harmonies. They are also used in medical imaging, such as ultrasound, where the reflected waves create a standing wave pattern that can be interpreted to create an image of the internal structures of the body.

5. What are some common misconceptions about standing waves and their energy?

One common misconception about standing waves is that they are stationary and do not involve the transfer of energy. However, as mentioned earlier, standing waves involve a constant exchange of energy between potential and kinetic forms. Another misconception is that standing waves only occur in one-dimensional systems, when in fact they can occur in two or three-dimensional systems as well.

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