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A student taking a quiz finds on a reference sheet the two equations $$ f=\frac{1}{T} \quad \text { and } \quad v=\sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}} $$ She has forgotten what \(T\) represents in each equation. (a) Use dimensional analysis to determine the units required for \(T\) in each equation. (b) Explain how you can identify the physical quantity each \(T\) represents from the units.

Short Answer

Expert verified
In the equation \(f =\frac{1}{T}\), \(T\) represents 'time' or 'period' with units in seconds (s). In the equation \(v =\sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}\), \(T\) denotes 'tension' with units in kg/m\(s^2\).

Step by step solution

01

Conduct Dimensional Analysis on the First Equation

We start with \(f =\frac{1}{T}\), where \(f\) is in Hertz (Hz). This unit is equivalent to 1/second or \(s^{-1}\). From this, we can gather that the unit of the quantity \(T\) will be the inverse of \(f\), hence the unit of \(T\) must be 'seconds'.
02

Conduct Dimensional Analysis on the Second Equation

Then, we examine \(v = \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}\), where \(v\) is the velocity in meters per second (m/s) and \(\mu\) is mass per unit length in kilograms per meter/kg/m. The quantity under the square root must be dimensionless to maintain dimensional consistency. Given the units of \(\mu\) as kg/m, \(T\) must have units of kg/m\(s^2\) so that \(\frac{T}{\mu}\) becomes m^2/s^2.
03

Identify the Physical Quantity for Each Equation

Now knowing the units for \(T\), we can determine the physical quantities that \(T\) represents in the context of each equation. In the first equation \(f = \frac{1}{T}\), \(T\) represents 'time' or 'period' since its units are in seconds. In the second equation, \(v =\sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}\), \(T\) represents 'tension' as its units are in kg/m\(s^2\), similar to force.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Physical Quantities
In physics, physical quantities are essential as they define measurable attributes of the natural world. These quantities are standardized to ensure uniformity in communication and understanding. Physical quantities are usually categorized into two types:
  • Base quantities: such as time, length, mass, electric current, temperature, luminous intensity, and the amount of a substance.
  • Derived quantities: which are combinations of base quantities, like velocity, acceleration, and force.
Each quantity has its corresponding measurement units and dimensional formula, reflecting the concept it represents. By analyzing the dimensions and units, we can deduce the nature of the physical quantity, such as identifying the roles of 'T' as 'time period' and 'tension' in the equations provided.
Units in Physics
Units are the standard measurements used to express physical quantities. They provide a reference to measure and compare values accurately. Physics adheres to the International System of Units (SI), which is universally accepted. For instance:
  • Time is measured in seconds (s).
  • Length is measured in meters (m).
  • Mass is measured in kilograms (kg).
Understanding units is critical for determining the role of a variable in an equation. In the given exercise, the units of 'T' varied in each equation: seconds for time in the first equation, and kg/m$s^2$ for tension in the second. This demonstrates how units ascertain the character of the physical quantity they describe.
Frequency and Tension
Frequency and tension are two distinct yet important physical concepts.
  • Frequency (\(f\)) is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time, measured in Hertz (Hz), or \(s^{-1}\).
  • Tension is the force exerted through a string, cable, or other continuous mediums when pulled by forces acting from opposite ends, and it's measured in Newtons (N), equivalent to kg/m\(s^2\).
In the equations presented, the frequency equation (\(f = \frac{1}{T}\)) involves the time period \(T\), while the velocity equation (\(v = \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}\)) relates to tension. Recognizing these distinctions is vital for problem-solving and ensuring correct application in physics.
Time Period
The time period represents the duration of one complete cycle of a periodic event or oscillation, such as a pendulum swing. It is a crucial concept in the study of periodic motion. In the context of the provided exercise, the time period appears in the frequency equation \(f = \frac{1}{T}\).
The time period \(T\) is measured in seconds \(s\), and is the reciprocal of frequency \(f\). That is, a higher frequency implies a shorter time period for one full cycle to complete.Understanding the time period helps in contexts like analyzing sound waves, where you might calculate how quick or slow the wave travels across a medium. This contributes to real-world applications such as tuning musical instruments and understanding wave properties.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A string is \(50.0 \mathrm{~cm}\) long and has a mass of \(3.00 \mathrm{~g}\). A wave travels at \(5.00 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\) along this string. A second string has the same length, but half the mass of the first. If the two strings are under the same tension, what is the speed of a wave along the second string?

An automobile having a mass of \(1000 \mathrm{~kg}\) is driven into a brick wall in a safety test. The bumper behaves like a spring with constant \(5.00 \times 10^{6} \mathrm{~N} / \mathrm{m}\) and is compressed \(3.16 \mathrm{~cm}\) as the car is brought to rest. What was the speed of the car before impact, assuming no energy is lost in the collision with the wall?

A horizontal block-spring system with the block on a frictionless surface has total mechanical energy \(E=\) \(47.0 \mathrm{~J}\) and a maximum displacement from equilibrium of \(0.240 \mathrm{~m}\). (a) What is the spring constant? (b) What is the kinetic energy of the system at the equilibrium point? (c) If the maximum speed of the block is \(3.45 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\), what is its mass? (d) What is the speed of the block when its displacement is \(0.160 \mathrm{~m}\) ? (e) Find the kinetic energy of the block at \(x=0.160 \mathrm{~m}\). (f) Find the potential energy stored in the spring when \(x=0.160 \mathrm{~m}\). (g) Suppose the same system is released from rest at \(x=0.240 \mathrm{~m}\) on a rough surface so that it loses \(14.0 \mathrm{~J}\) by the time it reaches its first turning point (after passing equilibrium at \(x=0\) ). What is its position at that instant?

A \(0.40-\mathrm{kg}\) object connected to a light spring with a force constant of \(19.6 \mathrm{~N} / \mathrm{m}\) oscillates on a frictionless horizontal surface. If the spring is compressed \(4.0 \mathrm{~cm}\) and released from rest, determine (a) the maximum speed of the object, (b) the speed of the object when the spring is compressed \(1.5 \mathrm{~cm}\), and (c) the speed of the object as it passes the point \(1.5 \mathrm{~cm}\) from the equilibrium position. (d) For what value of \(x\) does the speed equal one-half the maximum speed?

An object executes simple harmonic motion with an amplitude \(A\). (a) At what values of its position does its speed equal half its maximum speed? (b) At what values of its position does its potential energy equal half the total energy?

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