Discover the Frequency of Fingered Violin Strings Without Measuring Length

In summary, the frequency at which a violin string vibrates when fingered one third of the way down from the end is 1176 Hz, which is four times the fundamental frequency of 294 Hz. The actual length of the string is not necessary to determine this frequency.
  • #1
needhelp83
199
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A violin string vibrates at 294 Hz when unfingered. At what frequency will it vibrate if it is fingered one third of the way down from the end?

How do I determine this w/o length of how far 1/3 of violin string is?

Help anyone!
 
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  • #2
Hint -- you have the information needed to find the length of the string.
 
  • #3
I thought you needed more information to find the length. But in any case...

needhelp83 said:
How do I determine this w/o length of how far 1/3 of violin string is?
Why do you think you need to know? Have you considered just calling the length L, and seeing if you can do the problem?
 
  • #4
are you familiar with the relation between wavelength and frequency?

also: what is the speed of sound in air?
 
  • #5
Does it matter what the actual length is? Surely as Hurkyl points out, length can be simply L. It's merely the freq and the change in length that's important.
 
  • #6
f1= 294 Hz (fundamental frequency)
f2= 2f1=(2)( 294 Hz)= 588 Hz
f3= 3f1=(3)( 294 Hz)= 882 Hz
f4= 4f1=(3)( 294 Hz)= 1176 Hz

The 294 Hz would be the fundamental frequency and 1/3 the way down would be 1176. Would this be the correct way to solve?
 

FAQ: Discover the Frequency of Fingered Violin Strings Without Measuring Length

1. How can you discover the frequency of fingered violin strings without measuring the length?

One method is by using a tuning fork. The tuning fork will produce a specific frequency when struck, and by placing it near the violin string, you can determine if the string is in tune or not. The closer the frequency of the string is to that of the tuning fork, the more in tune it is.

2. Can you use any tuning fork to discover the frequency of violin strings?

No, you will need a tuning fork specifically designed for violins. These forks are typically labeled with the note they produce, such as A, D, G, or E, which correspond to the four strings on a violin.

3. Is this method accurate for discovering the frequency of violin strings?

It depends on the quality of the tuning fork and your ability to accurately match the frequency of the string to the tuning fork. This method can give you a general idea of the frequency, but for more precise measurements, it is best to use a specialized tool like an electronic tuner.

4. Are there any other ways to discover the frequency of fingered violin strings?

Yes, there are other methods such as using a smartphone app or a digital tuner. These tools use microphones to detect the frequency of the string and display it on a screen. Some advanced tuners can even analyze the sound of the string and give you a visual representation of the frequency.

5. Why is it important to know the frequency of fingered violin strings?

Knowing the frequency of the strings is crucial for achieving accurate and consistent tuning. This is important for producing high-quality sound and playing in tune with other musicians. Additionally, being able to recognize and match frequencies can improve your overall ear training and musicianship skills.

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