Velocity and frequency of standing waves, number of nodes

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity and frequency of standing waves on a string fixed at one end, driven by an oscillator. The string has a mass of 0.03 kg and a length of 2 m, leading to a linear density (µ) of 0.015 kg/m. The velocity of the waves can be determined using the tension in the string, which can be derived from the weight of the string. The frequency required to generate a wave with 4 nodes corresponds to the second harmonic, calculated using the formula f = n * (v/2L), where n=2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and standing waves
  • Familiarity with harmonic frequencies and their calculations
  • Knowledge of tension and linear density in strings
  • Ability to manipulate trigonometric identities for wave equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate wave velocity using tension and linear density formulas
  • Explore harmonic frequencies and their relationship to nodes on a string
  • Study the derivation of standing wave equations from traveling wave equations
  • Investigate the effects of varying tension on wave speed in strings
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the principles of standing waves and harmonic frequencies in strings.

maiamorbific
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A string of mass .03 kg and length 2 m is fixed at one end, and driven with an oscillator at the other end. The oscillator induces traveling waves on the string of the form y=A sin (kx-ωt) which traveled down the string, hit the fixed end, and get reflected back as a wave with the form y=Asin (kx+ωt).
I'm asked to find the a.) velocity of the waves, b.)frequency required to generate a wave with 4 nodes, and c.) derive a general equation for standing waves on a string using the two above equations.

Homework Equations


m = 0.03 kg and L = 2 m
λ = 2L = 4 m
k = 2π/λ = π/2
µ = m/L = 0.015 kg/m

The Attempt at a Solution


a.) All the equations I know to find velocity involve either tension or frequency or another variable that I don't have. How do I find the velocity with what I'm given?

b.) I think that 4 nodes is the 2nd harmonic frequency (?) where n=2 in the equation
f = n * (v/2L). Is this right? If so, I can easily find it when I have the answer for velocity.

c.) I think that for this part, I just add the two equations together. I'd call one y1 and the other y2. y1 + y2 = general equation?
[sin a + sin ß = 2 sin ((a+ß)/2) cos ((a-ß)/2)]

My main question is for the (a) part.
Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Would you use sum of the forces = tension - (mg) = 0?
Then I'd solve for tension and use the linear density found above to calculate the velocity.
I think.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K