Tension in a rope, wavelengths, etc. I

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a rope stretched between two supports, focusing on the tension in the rope, the frequency of vibrations needed to create a specific wavelength, and characteristics of standing waves. The subject area includes wave mechanics and properties of oscillating systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of tension and frequency based on given parameters. There is confusion regarding the linear density of the rope, with some participants questioning whether it is 0.6 kg/m or 0.4 kg/m. The wavelength is confirmed to be 4m, but there are inquiries about the correctness of the calculations and the understanding of terms like 'fundamental frequency.'

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants verifying calculations and clarifying definitions. Some guidance has been provided regarding the linear density and the wavelength, but there is no explicit consensus on the remaining questions about the mass of the rope and harmonic numbers.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is an emphasis on understanding the relationships between tension, wave speed, and frequency without providing complete solutions.

somesmallkid
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Homework Statement



A rope is stretched between two vertical supports. The points where it is attached (P and Q) are fixed. The linear density of the rope, u, is 0.6kg/m, and the speed of the transverse waves on the rope is 12 m/s.

a. what is the tension in the rope?
b. with what frequency must the rope vibrate to create a traveling wave with a wave length of 4m?

The rope can support standing waves of lengths 4m and 3.2m, whose harmonic numbers are consecutive integers.

c. find the length of the rope
d. find the mass of the rope
e. what is the harmonic number of the 4m standing wave?

Homework Equations



f=1/T
T=2pi(m/k)^1/2
=2pi(L/g)^1/2
v=(wavelength)f
F(t)=u(v)^2
f=v/wavelength
2L/n=4m
2L/(n+1)=3.2m

The Attempt at a Solution



a. (0.4 kg/m)(12m/s)^2= 58N

b. f = (12m/s)/(2m) = 6 Hz

c. n=4

2L = 16 for both
L=8m
 
Last edited:
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somesmallkid said:
... u, is 0.6kg/m, ... with a wave length of 4m

... The attempt at a solution[/b]

a. (0.4 kg/m)(12m/s)^2= 58N...

u = 0.6kg/m or 0.4kg/m?
 
grzz said:
u = 0.6kg/m or 0.4kg/m?

Oh, it's 0.6kg/m. Sorry it's kind of late and I guess I'm just tired of trying to solve this problem :I hehe..
 
somesmallkid said:
... a traveling wave with a wave length of 4m
b. f = (12m/s)/(2m) = 6 Hz ...

Is not the wavelength 4m?
 
grzz said:
Is not the wavelength 4m?

No, you're right. It's 4.
 
Am I doing these correctly?
 
Length of rope = 8m
 
grzz said:
Length of rope = 8m

yeah i got that :) thanks! do you know how to do D or E though?
 
re D
Your post says,'...The linear density of the rope, u, is 0.6kg/m,...' and you know the length of rope.

re E

What do you understand by 'fundamental frequency'?
 

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