Transverse wave through a wire, and tension.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a transverse wave in a wire, specifically focusing on determining the tension in the wire given its linear density and wave parameters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the tension using wave properties and formulas related to wave speed and tension. Some participants question the interpretation of the angular frequency provided in the problem statement.

Discussion Status

The discussion has seen some productive exchanges, with participants clarifying the definition of angular frequency and confirming its value. The original poster has received guidance on the correct approach to calculating wave speed.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the units of angular frequency and the interpretation of the given parameters in the problem.

jmm5872
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A transverse wave in a wire with a linear density 2.35 g/m has the form y(x,t) = (1.4 cm)sin[(5.45 m-1)x−(6950 s-1)t].
What is the tension?


I took the A=.014m, k=5.45 /m, and [tex]\omega[/tex]=6950.

I used the formula for the max velocity = A[tex]\omega[/tex]
v=(.014)(6950)=97.3

Then I used the formula for the speed of a wave on a string v=[tex]\sqrt{\frac{F}{M/L}}[/tex].
97.3=[tex]\sqrt{\frac{F}{.00235}}[/tex]

And I got F=22.24813

This was not the correct answer. I would appreciate any advice.

I attempted to find the velocity of the pulse : (0.943s)(3.29m)(8)=24.81976
 
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Try using this equation for velocity:

v=[tex]\omega[/tex]/k
 
Am I right in assuming that 6950 is omega? The problem says 6950 /s, not radians/s. Is this still omega?
 
Yes, that is still omega.
 
That worked, thank you very much.
 

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