Waves MC Question - 2 strings, same tension, different μ

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When a sinusoidal wave transitions from string I to string II, which has a linear mass density four times greater than string I, the wavelength in string II is half that of string I. The calculations show that the relationship between the wavelengths indicates that λ1 is half of λ2. Despite this, the answer key states that the wavelength decreases by a factor of 2, which contradicts the derived conclusion. This discrepancy raises questions about the accuracy of the answer key. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding wave properties in different media.
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Homework Statement



A long string is constructed by joining the ends of two shorter strings. The tension in the strings
is the same but string I has 4 times the linear mass density of string II. When a sinusoidal
wave passes from string I to string II:

A. the frequency decreases by a factor of 4
B. the frequency decreases by a factor of 2
C. the wavelength decreases by a factor of 4
D. the wavelength decreases by a factor of 2
E. the wavelength increases by a factor of 2

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



\lambda_1f= \sqrt{\frac{\tau}{4\mu}}=\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{\frac{\tau}{\mu}}
\lambda_2f= \sqrt{\frac{\tau}{\mu}}
\therefore \lambda_1 = \frac{1}{2}\lambda_2

So shouldn't the answer be E since λ2 = 2λ1?
 
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That all looks correct to me.
 
Ok thanks. Its weird because the answer key says its D.
 
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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