Math Problem Statement

A string on a guitar is stretched between two points 35.0 cm apart with a tension of 65.0 N. The mass/length of the string is 0.00400 kg/m. The wavelength of the mode of vibration with the lowest frequency is

Group of answer choices

0.6 m.

0.8 m.

0.9 m.

0.5 m.

0.7 m.

Solution

To find the wavelength of the mode of vibration with the lowest frequency (the fundamental mode) for a string fixed at both ends, we can use the following principles:

  1. Fundamental Mode Wavelength:

    • For a string fixed at both ends, the wavelength λ\lambda of the fundamental frequency is twice the length of the string. λ=2L\lambda = 2L where LL is the length of the string.
  2. Given Data:

    • Length of the string, L=35.0cm=0.35mL = 35.0 \, \text{cm} = 0.35 \, \text{m}.
  3. Calculate the Wavelength:

    • Plugging in the length: λ=2×0.35m=0.7m\lambda = 2 \times 0.35 \, \text{m} = 0.7 \, \text{m}

So, the wavelength of the mode of vibration with the lowest frequency is 0.7 m.

Answer: The correct choice is 0.7 m.


Would you like a further explanation on the principles behind this? Here are five related questions that expand on this topic:

  1. How would the wavelength change if the string length were increased to 50 cm?
  2. What role does the tension in the string play in determining the frequency of vibration?
  3. How would the frequency of the fundamental mode change if the string’s mass per unit length were doubled?
  4. Why is the wavelength of the fundamental mode always twice the length of the string in this scenario?
  5. How can you calculate the speed of a wave on a string given tension and mass per unit length?

Tip: Remember, for strings fixed at both ends, the fundamental wavelength is always twice the string's length.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Wave Motion
Vibration
String Harmonics

Formulas

Wavelength for fundamental mode: λ = 2L

Theorems

Fundamental mode of vibration for a string fixed at both ends

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12