What will the wave velocity be in this string?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the wave velocity in a string of specified length and tension, which forms nodes when vibrated. The problem involves concepts from wave mechanics and properties of strings, including tension, mass per unit length, and frequency.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the calculation of wave velocity using the formula \( V=\sqrt{\dfrac{T}{m}} \) and discuss the implications of tension and mass per unit length on the result. There are attempts to reconcile the calculated velocity with the expected value of 50 m/s, leading to questions about the role of frequency and harmonics.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing corrections and alternative interpretations regarding the calculations and assumptions made. Some participants suggest that the frequency related to the tuning fork may not be the fundamental frequency, prompting further exploration of harmonic relationships.

Contextual Notes

There are ongoing debates about the correct interpretation of nodes and harmonics, with some participants noting discrepancies in the calculations of mass per unit length and tension. The original poster acknowledges mistakes in their calculations, leading to a reevaluation of the problem's parameters.

Zakiyah Afrin
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Homework Statement

What will be the wave velocity, if a string of 100 cm length is in a 10 kg-wt tension forms 9 nodes when vibrated and becomes symphonic to a 50 Hz tuning fork. Given, Cross sectional area of string, $$A=4.95 mm^2$$ & density, $$d = 0.25 g/cc$$?

Homework Equations

$$ V=\sqrt{\dfrac{T}{m}} $$

m= mass per unit length

T = Tension in string


The Attempt at a Solution


Velocity in a string
$$ V=\sqrt{\dfrac{T}{m}} $$
Where,

Tension in string, $$T= 10\times9.8=98 kN$$
mass per unit length, $$m= \frac{v \times d}{L}=A\times d= 0.012225 kg/m $$
So,$$V = 89.534 m/s$$
.Now the problem is answer should be equal to 50 m/s . Is there any effect of tuning fork on the wave velocity of the string ?​
 
Last edited:
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Hi Zakiyah Afrin and welcome to PF.

Mass is density multiplied by volume, not density multiplied by cross sectional area. To find the volume, you need the length of the string. How can you find an expression for that?
 
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I mean mass per unit length i.e $$m= \frac{v \times d}{L}=A\times d$$
 
And what do you get with this correction?

On Edit: Actually, yes m = A d is correct for "mass per unit length". I interpreted "m" as total mass. What do you get for this in units of kilograms per meter?
 
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kuruman said:
And what do you get with this correction?
no I calculated in right way. May be there Is something with the frequency
 
You appear to have made some mistakes. When you say
##T= 10\times9.8=98 kN## this is not correct. ##T= 10\times9.8=98 N##. ##1~kN=1000~N##. That's minor. You seem to have used 98 N in your calculation so no harm done.
You seem to have made some error in your calculation for ##d##. When you convert 0.25 g/cc, remember that 1 g = 10-3 kg and 1 cc = 10-6 m3.
Now for the important part. You are given the tension ##T##, and enough information to find the linear density ##\mu## (I prefer to use ##m## for total mass). Then it should be a straightforward calculation to find the velocity using ##v=\sqrt{T/\mu}## which is what you attempted. The problem is that if you put in the correct values for ##T## and ##\mu##, you do not get 50 m/s.

However, if you completely ignore the tension and the linear density and assume that "becomes symphonic to a 50 Hz tuning fork" means that the vibrating frequency of the string is a harmonic of 50 Hz (which one?) you can get 50 Hz (how?)

This problem bothers me because the sets of information it provides appear to be internally inconsistent.
 
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kuruman said:
And what do you get with this correction?

On Edit: Actually, yes m = A d is correct for "mass per unit length". I interpreted "m" as total mass. What do you get for this in units of kilograms per meter?
as I mentioned 0.01225
 
Zakiyah Afrin said:
as I mentioned 0.01225
Repeating the number, does not help if you do not show what went in the calculation. Your number is 10 times what it should be. Also, be sure to include units every time you quote a number. It's a good habit. :smile:
 
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Sorry, I did lot of mistakes.
F=98 N
μ=0.001225 kg/m
v= 283.13 m/s
T= 98 N
but frequency for this becomes
141.57 Hz
 
  • #10
Zakiyah Afrin said:
Sorry, I did lot of mistakes.
F=98 N
μ=0.001225 kg/m
v= 283.13 m/s
T= 98 N
but frequency for this becomes
141.57 Hz
Yes, that's what I got when I used ##v=\sqrt{T/\mu}##. Please read post #6. You can find v = 50 m/s if you use v = λ f, but you need to find λ and f separately. Hint: f is not 50 Hz but a harmonic of 50 Hz.
 
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  • #11
kuruman said:
Yes, that's what I got when I used ##v=\sqrt{T/\mu}##. Please read post #6. You can find v = 50 m/s if you use v = λ f, but you need to find λ and f separately. Hint: f is not 50 Hz but a harmonic of 50 Hz.
since, no. of nodes = 9
so it will be 8th harmonic I guess n= 8
f = n f0=8*50=400 Hz
λ = 2*L/n=1/4m
$$v=f λ=400*1/4=100 ms^{-1}$$
but not 50 m\s
 
  • #12
How do you get harmonics from nodes? How many nodes does the fundamental ##n=1## have? Draw a picture if you must.
 
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  • #13
kuruman said:
How do you get harmonics from nodes? How many nodes does the fundamental ##n=1## have? Draw a picture if you must.

upload_2018-10-8_10-6-33.png

for n= 1 number of nodes = 2
 

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  • #14
I have a different counting scheme that excludes the ends, but that's OK as long as you know what you mean. In that case I agree with calculation of 100 m/s in post #11. Unless I misunderstand what "becomes symphonic" means, I don't see how one gets 50 m/s.
 
  • #15
Then, there is a question fault right ?
 
  • #16
Yes. Whether the v = 100 m/s or 50 m/s it is still incompatible with the tension and the linear density.
 

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