Velocity and acceleration of a standing wave

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum transverse velocity and acceleration of a string vibrating in its third harmonic, with a wave speed of 192 m/s and a frequency of 240 Hz. The amplitude at an antinode is 0.4 cm. The equations used for calculations are v = -A*ω*sin(ωt) and a = -A*ω²*cos(ωt). The user encountered issues with the accuracy of their results at specific points along the string, particularly at 20 cm and 10 cm, despite correctly calculating the angular frequency ω as 1507.2 rad/s.

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Homework Statement



A string with both ends held fixed is vibrating in its third harmonic. The waves have a speed of 192m/s and a frequency of 240 Hz. The amplitude of the standing wave at an antinode is .4cm. Calculate the maximum transverse velocity and the maximum transverse acceleration of the string at points along the string a distance of 40cm, 20cm, and 10cm from the left end of the string.

Homework Equations


v=-A*ω*sin(ωt)
a=-A*ω^{2}*cos(ωt)

The Attempt at a Solution



First thing I did was calculate the amplitude at each of those points along the string, using y=A*sin(ωt). I set 40cm=\pi, 20cm=\pi/2, and 10cm=\pi/4 given that when I solve for λ I get .8m.

I then solved for ω. ω=2\pif gives me 1507.2 rad/s. Using that value for ω, and each of the amplitudes I found, I plugged them into the equations for v and a. At 40cm, I get a velocity and acceleration of 0, which makes sense. At 20cm, however, while my velocity is correct, but acceleration is incorrect. At 10cm, both my values for acceleration and velocity are incorrect. Not sure what step I'm missing here or why I can't seem to get the correct answers.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
 
Last edited:
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Your acceleration equation should be
ω^2. ACos(ωt)
 
It is. That was a typo. Fixed it now.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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