Waves: String Physics? Correct my units

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the force required to achieve a specific wavelength of a wave on a string. The user correctly identifies that the wave velocity depends on the tension in the string and its mass per unit length. They initially convert the wavelength from 120 cm to 0.12 m, which is incorrect; it should be 1.2 m. The user calculates the wave velocity as 15 m/s and attempts to derive the tension using the formula, but realizes the error in the wavelength conversion led to an incorrect tension value. The correct approach highlights the importance of accurate unit conversion in physics problems.
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Waves: String Physics?? Correct my units..

Homework Statement


The velocity of a wave on a string depends on how hard the string is stretched and on the mass per unit length of the string. If T is the force exerted on the string and Mu is the mass/unit length, then velocity v is

http://nas.cl.uh.edu/blanford/FormulasWaves_files/image012.gif
(I think)

A piece of string 5.3m long has a mass of 15g. What must the force on the string be to make wavelength of a 125Hz wave 120cm?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The given answer is 63.7N

I converted wavelength lambda to 0.12M and 15g to 0.015kg..
wavelength=velocity/frequency.. so wavelength*frequency=velocity..
0.12M*125Hz=15 m/s=velocity

15m/s = [square root of T(force)/Mu(mass length ratio)]
He also gave us another equation..
instead of [square root T/Mu], there is also [square root T*length/mass]

So..
15m/s=[square root of T*5.3m/0.015kg]
[(15^2 m^2)(0.015kg)]/[(s^2)(5.3m)]=T..
T=~0.636N..which would be right if it were multiplied by 100.. Anyone see where I went wrong?
 
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120 cm is 1.2 meters not 0.12 meters.
 
Har harrr
Oopss and thanks!
 
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