What is the speed of transverse waves on the rope?

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SUMMARY

The speed of transverse waves on a rope is determined by the formula v = sqrt(F/µ), where F is the tension and µ is the linear mass density. In the discussed scenario, a 10.0 m rope with a mass of 0.800 kg and a tension of 140 N results in a linear density of 0.08 kg/m, leading to a wave speed of 3.74 m/s. When the tension is increased to 280 N, the frequency required to maintain the same wavelength at 1.20 Hz must be recalculated. The discussion also highlights the relationship between wave speed and linear density for wires of different lengths but equal tension.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and transverse waves
  • Familiarity with the concepts of tension and linear mass density
  • Knowledge of the wave speed formula v = sqrt(F/µ)
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
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  • Calculate wave speed for different tensions using the formula v = sqrt(F/µ)
  • Explore the effects of changing linear density on wave speed
  • Investigate the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and wave speed
  • Learn about wave propagation in different mediums and their properties
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding wave mechanics and the behavior of transverse waves in ropes and wires.

Luis2101
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Question Details:

A cowgirl ties one end of a 10.0-m-long rope to a fence post and pulls on the other end so the rope is stretched horizontally with a tension of 140 N. The mass of the rope is 0.800 kg.

a) What is the speed of transverse waves on the rope?
b) If the cowgirl moves the free end up and down with a frequency of 1.20 Hz, what is the wavelength of the transverse waves on the rope?
c) The cowgirl pulls harder on the rope so that the tension is doubled to 280 N. With what frequency must she move the free end of the rope up and down to produce transverse waves of the same wavelength as in part (a)?

----
For part A, I tried using µ = mass / length = 0.08kg/m
then i tried to solve for V using v = sqrt(F/µ), but my answer, 0.024m/s is incorrect, according to mastering physics.
 
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Then try again! 0.024 is
\sqrt{\frac{\mu}{F}}
not
\sqrt{\frac{F}{\mu}}
!
 
-_-
Wow.
Lol. I looked over that equation like, 5 different times too, I can't believe I didn't see that.

Thanks.

-Luis
 
Hi this is my first time to use this so i don't know if I am posting in the right spot. But here is my question:
A wire is stretched between two posts. Another wire is stretched between two posts that are twice as far apart. The tension in the wires is the same, and they have the same mass. A transverse wave travels on the shorter wire with a speed of 255 m/s. What would be the speed of the wave on the longer wire?


Can anyone please help?!
 
Rachaelh8 said:
Hi this is my first time to use this so i don't know if I am posting in the right spot. But here is my question:
A wire is stretched between two posts. Another wire is stretched between two posts that are twice as far apart. The tension in the wires is the same, and they have the same mass. A transverse wave travels on the shorter wire with a speed of 255 m/s. What would be the speed of the wave on the longer wire?


Can anyone please help?!

To post a new question, you should click "New Topic" in the "Introductory Physics" subforum instead of entering a thread and clicking "New Reply".

Anyhow, write out two equations of the form
<br /> v=\sqrt{\frac{F}{\mu}}<br />

In both equations, "F" is the same, but "u" isn't. What's the relationship between the linear density of the first rope and that of the second?
 

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