Calculating Mass Using Standing Waves on a Suspended Wire

In summary, the second-harmonic frequency of a long, thin wire suspended from the ceiling with a mass M tied to the bottom is 200 Hz. Increasing the hanging mass by 1kg results in a second-harmonic frequency of 245 Hz. Using the equation f = v/L and substituting v = sqrt(T/u), T=mg, and u = m/L, the calculated length of the wire is 2.45x10^-4.
  • #1
physnoob
15
0

Homework Statement


When mass M is tied to the bottom of a long, thin wire suspended from the ceiling, the wire's second-harmonic frequency is 200 Hz. Adding an additional 1kg to the hanging mass increases the second-harmonic frequency to 245 Hz. What is M?
f[tex]_{2}[/tex] = 200hz, m = M
f[tex]_{2}[/tex] = 245hz, m = M+1
g = 9.8m/s


Homework Equations


f=v/L, v = [tex]\sqrt{T/u}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


not sure where to start the problem
please help!
any help is greatly appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Just did some plug and chuck with the equation f = v/L, substituted v = sqrt(T/u), T=mg, u = m/L, m cancels out, L = 2.45x10^-4, does this sound right?
 

1. What is a transverse standing wave?

A transverse standing wave is a type of wave that oscillates perpendicularly to the direction of its propagation. This means that the particles in the medium through which the wave is traveling vibrate up and down or side to side, rather than back and forth along the direction of the wave.

2. How is a transverse standing wave created?

A transverse standing wave is created when two identical waves traveling in opposite directions interfere with each other. This interference causes the displacement of the particles in the medium to vary periodically, resulting in a standing wave pattern.

3. What is the difference between a transverse standing wave and a longitudinal standing wave?

The main difference between a transverse standing wave and a longitudinal standing wave is the direction in which the particles of the medium vibrate. In a transverse standing wave, the particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave, while in a longitudinal standing wave, the particles vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave.

4. What are some real-life examples of transverse standing waves?

Transverse standing waves can be observed in a variety of natural and man-made systems. Some examples include strings on a musical instrument, electromagnetic waves, and surface waves on water. They can also be seen in the vibrations of bridges, buildings, and other structures.

5. What are some applications of transverse standing waves?

Transverse standing waves have many practical applications, including in musical instruments, telecommunications, and medical imaging. They are also used in non-destructive testing to detect flaws in materials and in seismology to study the Earth's interior. Additionally, transverse standing waves play a crucial role in technologies such as lasers and radar systems.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
991
Back
Top