Standing Waves on a String (Melde's Experiment)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the mass required to produce a standing wave pattern with 6 antinodes on a string, given that a mass of 200 g creates 4 antinodes. Key equations include tension (T=mg), wave velocity (v=√(T/μ)), and frequency (f=1/λ√(T/μ)). The relationship between the number of antinodes and mass is established through the equations, allowing for the determination of the new mass needed for 6 antinodes based on the change in wavelength and tension.

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  • Understanding of wave mechanics and standing waves
  • Familiarity with the concepts of tension and linear density in strings
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The problem is as follows:

"A string exhibits standing waves with 4 antinodes when a mass of 200 g is hanging over the pulley (see attached figure). What mass will produce a standing wave pattern with 6 antinodes?"

The equations that I have found in the relevant section of the text are as follows:

v=\sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}

v=f\lambda

f=\frac{1}{\lambda}\sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}

T=mg

\frac{1}{n}=\frac{1}{Lf}\sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}=[\frac{1}{Lf}\sqrt{\frac{g}{\mu}}}]\sqrt{m}

Where...
T = tension in the spring as supplied by the weight of the hanging mass
mu = linear density of the string
lambda = wavelength
f = frequency of oscillation
m = mass suspended from spring
g = gravitational constant
L = length of the string

I've attached the diagram referenced above for further illustration.

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/3735/sc002c9a37ww1.th.jpg

I have no idea where to even begin with the problem given the lack of information provided by the question.

Please help!
 
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All the information you need is given. You need to find the relative change in the wavelength to determine the relative change in velocity, and from that determine the relative change in tension, and ultimately the relative change in the mass.
 
therez no diagram attached to it ... can u please attach it again or give us a link for the diagram !
 
Razi Rehman said:
therez no diagram attached to it ... can u please attach it again or give us a link for the diagram !


and can u explain how u got the last eqn after T=mg
 

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