Wavelength & Frequency: Thin to Dense Rope

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In summary, the speed of a wave traveling through a rope is dependent on the properties of the rope, such as tension and mass/length. When the wave encounters different densities, the speed decreases in a heavier rope. However, the frequency of the wave, which is a property of the source, remains constant. In the scenario described, where the frequency is doubled, the speed of the second wave would be the same as the first if the properties of the rope remain constant. This was confirmed by the formula for wave speed, v = sq.root(tension/u). Good job on correctly answering the question.
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student85
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When you have a wave traveling through a thin rope and then passing to a denser one, what happens to its wavelength and frequency? What about the opposite process (from heavier to light rope)?
 
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Hint: What happens to the speed of the wave?
 
  • #3
The speed goes down in the heavier rope. But still, speed equals wavelength times frequency so I don't know which one increases and which one decreases.
 
  • #4
The frequency, which is a property of the source of the wave, remains constant as the wave encounters different densities.
 
  • #5
Thanks Doc.
I had a test last week, which had a question that said a wave traveled through a rope and that afterwards, a second experiment was done on the same rope, now passing a wave with double the frequency as in the first experiment. The question was: What is the speed of the second wave as compared to the first?
At first I chose the answer that said it was doubled up but then I thought about it and remembered the formula v = sq.root(tension/u)
So I thought those variables remained constant as it was the same rope, so I finally chose the option that said the speed didn't change.
But I'm not sure if I got it right.
Did I get it right?
 
  • #6
You got it right: the speed of the wave depends only on the properties of the rope (tension and mass/length). So if those properties don't change, the speed of the wave doesn't change. Good thinking.
 

FAQ: Wavelength & Frequency: Thin to Dense Rope

1. What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional, meaning that as one increases, the other decreases. This relationship is described by the formula: wavelength = speed of light / frequency. In other words, the longer the wavelength, the lower the frequency, and vice versa.

2. How do wavelength and frequency affect the properties of a rope?

The wavelength and frequency of a rope affect its properties by determining the amount of energy it can carry and the distance it can travel. A shorter wavelength and higher frequency result in a denser rope that can carry more energy and travel longer distances, while a longer wavelength and lower frequency result in a thinner rope with less energy and shorter distances.

3. How do the density and tension of a rope impact its wavelength and frequency?

The density and tension of a rope do not directly impact its wavelength and frequency. However, they can affect the speed at which waves travel through the rope, which in turn can affect the wavelength and frequency of the waves. A denser and more tightly tensioned rope will result in faster wave propagation, resulting in shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies.

4. Can the wavelength and frequency of a rope be changed?

Yes, the wavelength and frequency of a rope can be changed by altering its properties, such as tension, density, and length. Increasing the tension and density will decrease the wavelength and increase the frequency, while decreasing the tension and density will have the opposite effect. Additionally, changing the length of the rope will also change the wavelength and frequency, as longer ropes result in longer wavelengths and lower frequencies.

5. How are wavelength and frequency related to the speed of a wave in a rope?

Wavelength and frequency are directly related to the speed of a wave in a rope. The speed of a wave is equal to the product of its wavelength and frequency. This means that as wavelength decreases, frequency increases, and vice versa, the speed of the wave will also change accordingly.

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