Math Problem Statement

PHYSICS WAVE MOTION: In an experiment on standing waves, a string 31 cm long is attached to the prong of an electrically driven tuning fork that oscillates perpendicular to the length of the string at a frequency of 60 Hz.The mass of the string is 0.011 kg. What tension must the string be under(weights are attached to other end) if it is to oscillate in four loops

Solution

To solve for the tension in the string that will allow it to oscillate in four loops (four antinodes), we need to use the wave equation for standing waves on a string.

Key formulas:

  1. Wave velocity on a string: v=Tμv = \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}} where:

    • vv is the wave speed,
    • TT is the tension in the string,
    • μ\mu is the linear mass density (mass per unit length) of the string.
  2. Linear mass density: μ=mL\mu = \frac{m}{L} where:

    • mm is the mass of the string,
    • LL is the length of the string.
  3. Frequency of the standing wave: The frequency of a standing wave is related to the number of loops (antinodes) and the length of the string by the equation: f=nv2Lf = \frac{n v}{2 L} where:

    • ff is the frequency of the wave,
    • nn is the number of loops (antinodes),
    • vv is the wave speed,
    • LL is the length of the string.

Now, let's proceed step by step.

Step 1: Calculate the linear mass density (μ\mu)

Given:

  • Mass of the string, m=0.011kgm = 0.011 \, \text{kg},
  • Length of the string, L=31cm=0.31mL = 31 \, \text{cm} = 0.31 \, \text{m}.

μ=mL=0.011kg0.31m=0.03548kg/m\mu = \frac{m}{L} = \frac{0.011 \, \text{kg}}{0.31 \, \text{m}} = 0.03548 \, \text{kg/m}

Step 2: Use the standing wave frequency equation

For four loops, n=4n = 4, and the frequency is f=60Hzf = 60 \, \text{Hz}. We can rearrange the frequency equation to solve for vv (wave speed): v=2Lfnv = \frac{2 L f}{n} Substitute the known values: v=2×0.31m×60Hz4=9.3m/sv = \frac{2 \times 0.31 \, \text{m} \times 60 \, \text{Hz}}{4} = 9.3 \, \text{m/s}

Step 3: Solve for tension (TT)

Now, use the wave velocity equation v=Tμv = \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}} to solve for tension TT: T=v2μT = v^2 \mu Substitute the values: T=(9.3m/s)2×0.03548kg/m=3.07NT = (9.3 \, \text{m/s})^2 \times 0.03548 \, \text{kg/m} = 3.07 \, \text{N}

Final Answer:

The tension required in the string is approximately 3.07 N.

Would you like further details or clarifications on any part of this solution?


Here are 5 related questions to further explore this topic:

  1. How does the number of loops affect the required tension in a string for standing waves?
  2. What happens to the frequency if the tension in the string is doubled?
  3. How would the wave speed change if the mass of the string was doubled?
  4. How is the wavelength related to the length of the string for standing waves?
  5. What is the effect of changing the length of the string on the wave speed?

Tip: The number of loops in a standing wave is directly related to the harmonic mode of vibration. The more loops, the higher the harmonic number.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Wave Motion
Standing Waves
Tension in Strings
Linear Mass Density

Formulas

v = sqrt(T/μ) (Wave velocity on a string)
μ = m/L (Linear mass density)
f = (n*v)/(2*L) (Frequency of the standing wave)

Theorems

Wave Equation for Standing Waves on a String

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (High School Physics)