Tripling fundamental frequency

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the position of fingers on a bass violin string to achieve a fundamental frequency three times greater than the original 1045 Hz. One participant calculates the new position as 0.3 m from the lower fixed end using the formula f = v/2l, while the teacher suggests using the speed of sound in air, arriving at a different value of approximately 0.084 m. The consensus is that the string's physical properties are more relevant than sound propagation through air for this specific problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fundamental frequency and string vibration principles
  • Knowledge of the wave equation v = f * λ
  • Familiarity with the concept of harmonic frequencies
  • Basic skills in algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the physics of string instruments and their harmonic frequencies
  • Learn about wave propagation in different mediums, including air
  • Explore the mathematical relationships between frequency, wavelength, and string length
  • Investigate the impact of tension and mass on the fundamental frequency of strings
USEFUL FOR

Musicians, physics students, and educators interested in the mechanics of string instruments and sound production will benefit from this discussion.

Strbarrytree
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So the question goes like this- The fundamental frequency of a bass violin string is 1045 Hz and occurs when the string is 0.900 m long. How far from the lower fixed end of the bass violin should you place your fingers to allow the string to vibrate at a fundamental frequency 3 times as great?

I say you take (2*.9)*1045 to get 1881 m/s because of v=f*w, then you take (1881/(1045*3))/2 to get .3 because of f=v/2l, and .3 would be the answer which would make sense since .3=(1/3).9

My teacher who is a smart man says you would disregard the information you got about the length of the string (the 0.900 m) and just take (340(speed of sound in air)/(3*1045))/2 or something like that he got like .84 or .084 which doesn't add up to the equation I just said, but that's what he said to do because he said it has to travel through air so we can hear it.

I think that that is irrelevant because it is not asking for how we perceive the frequency but rather what the string is actually doing. So I just kinda want an answer to know whose right so if this is on my text I know what to do. Thank you
 
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I agree with you. Nothing to do with air.
 

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