Chapter 13: Problem 68
Will a standing wave be formed in a 4.0 -m length of stretched string that transmits waves at a speed of \(12 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\) if it is driven at a frequency of (a) \(15 \mathrm{~Hz}\) or (b) \(20 \mathrm{~Hz} ?\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Standing waves form at both 15 Hz and 20 Hz frequencies.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Need for a Standing Wave
A standing wave is formed when waves reflect back on themselves and interfere. For a standing wave to form on a string of length \(L\), the condition is \(L = n \times \frac{\lambda}{2}\), where \(n\) is a positive integer, and \(\lambda\) is the wavelength.
02
Calculate the Wavelength
The wavelength \(\lambda\) can be found from the wave speed \(v\) and frequency \(f\) using the formula \(\lambda = \frac{v}{f}\). With \(v = 12 \mathrm{~m/s}\), calculate the wavelength for both frequencies given.
03
Check Frequency (a) 15 Hz
Calculate \(\lambda\) for \(f = 15 \mathrm{~Hz}\): \[\lambda = \frac{12 \mathrm{~m/s}}{15 \mathrm{~Hz}} = 0.8 \mathrm{~m}\] Evaluate \(L = 4.0 \mathrm{~m} = n \times \frac{0.8 \mathrm{~m}}{2}\). Possible values of \(n\) are \(n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5\), which are all integers, indicating a standing wave can form.
04
Check Frequency (b) 20 Hz
Calculate \(\lambda\) for \(f = 20 \mathrm{~Hz}\): \[\lambda = \frac{12 \mathrm{~m/s}}{20 \mathrm{~Hz}} = 0.6 \mathrm{~m}\]Evaluate \(L = 4.0 \mathrm{~m} = n \times \frac{0.6 \mathrm{~m}}{2}\). Determine if \(n\) yields integers. For \(n = 1, 2, 3, \,\dots\), this also forms integer values, indicating standing waves.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Wave Speed
Wave speed is a key concept when discussing waves on a string. It tells us how fast the wave travels through the medium. In this context, the medium is a stretched string.
The formula to calculate wave speed is:
Wave speed can be impacted by several factors:
The formula to calculate wave speed is:
- Wave Speed (v) = Distance traveled by a wave per unit time.
Wave speed can be impacted by several factors:
- The tension in the string
- The mass per unit length of the string
Wavelength
Wavelength, denoted by the Greek letter \(\lambda\), represents the distance between consecutive crests (or troughs) of a wave. This measure is critical for understanding wave interactions.
- Formula: \(\lambda = \frac{v}{f}\) where \(v\) is wave speed and \(f\) is frequency.
- For a wave to fit a string of length \(L\) and form standing waves, multiples of half-wavelengths must match \(L\).
- A 15 Hz frequency yielded a wavelength of 0.8 m.
- A 20 Hz frequency produced a wavelength of 0.6 m.
Frequency
Frequency is the number of complete wave cycles passing a point per second. Measured in hertz (Hz), it directly impacts the wavelength and the behavior of waves on a string.
In the example challenge, two frequencies are analyzed: 15 Hz and 20 Hz.
In the example challenge, two frequencies are analyzed: 15 Hz and 20 Hz.
- A higher frequency (20 Hz) means waves with shorter wavelengths (0.6 m) when speed is constant.
- A lower frequency (15 Hz) results in longer wavelengths (0.8 m).
Interference
Interference is a phenomenon where two or more waves superpose to form a resultant wave. This can occur constructively or destructively, depending on the phase relationship.
Understanding interference helps in predicting patterns and point stability within a wave structure, crucial for applications like acoustics and optical technologies.
- Constructive Interference: Occurs when peaks coincide, intensifying the wave.
- Destructive Interference: Occurs when peaks meet troughs, reducing or canceling the wave.
Understanding interference helps in predicting patterns and point stability within a wave structure, crucial for applications like acoustics and optical technologies.
Wave Reflection
When waves hit a boundary or end of a medium, they can reflect back. Reflection is a change in direction of the wave, remaining in the same medium.
- On a fixed end, the wave inverts upon reflection.
- On a free end, the wave maintains its original orientation.