Violin Harmonics HW: Finding Lowest Frequency Oscillation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a 32 cm violin string with a specific linear mass density, which is set into oscillation by an audio oscillator. The frequencies observed are 1320 Hz and 1760 Hz, and the original poster is trying to determine which harmonic corresponds to the 1320 Hz frequency.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the lowest frequency of oscillation and is working with the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and string length. There is uncertainty about how to determine the velocity of the string due to the unknown tension. Some participants suggest that the difference between the two frequencies could indicate the fundamental frequency.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem, particularly regarding the relationship between the observed frequencies and the fundamental frequency. Some guidance has been offered regarding the harmonic relationships between the frequencies, but no consensus has been reached on the exact approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of information regarding the tension in the string, which is crucial for calculating the velocity. Additionally, the original poster expresses confusion about the relevance of certain information provided in the problem statement.

mathilin
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Homework Statement


a 32 cm violin string with linear mass density is .36 gm/m is placed near a loudspeaker that is fed by an audio oscillator of variable frequency. It is found that hte string is set into oscillations at frequencies 1320 Hz and 1760 Hz as the frequency of the audio oscillator is varied continuously over the range of 1000-1800 Hz. Which harmonic is the 1320 Hz for the violin?


Homework Equations


L = (wavelength)/2
v = (frequency)*(wavelength)


The Attempt at a Solution


I am attempting to find the "lowest frequency of oscillation". so f=v/(2*L). L is known, but v is not. I am trying to find the velocity of the string, but this is where I encounter a problem.
 
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mathilin said:

Homework Statement


a 32 cm violin string with linear mass density is .36 gm/m is placed near a loudspeaker that is fed by an audio oscillator of variable frequency. It is found that hte string is set into oscillations at frequencies 1320 Hz and 1760 Hz as the frequency of the audio oscillator is varied continuously over the range of 1000-1800 Hz. Which harmonic is the 1320 Hz for the violin?


Homework Equations


L = (wavelength)/2
v = (frequency)*(wavelength)


The Attempt at a Solution


I am attempting to find the "lowest frequency of oscillation". so f=v/(2*L). L is known, but v is not. I am trying to find the velocity of the string, but this is where I encounter a problem.

Maybe i oculd just do 1760-1320=440 (is this the fundamental frequency?)
 
mathilin said:
Maybe i oculd just do 1760-1320=440 (is this the fundamental frequency?)

Yes, that seems to work.
 
mathilin said:
Maybe i oculd just do 1760-1320=440 (is this the fundamental frequency?)

Yes.1320 and 1760 must both be divisible by the fundamentat frequency and if 1320 is harmonic number n then 1760 must be harmonic number n+1.Now you can work it out.Also, many questions have red herrings(information you don't need)
 
Got it, thanks for the help.
 

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