Harmonics on a Stretched Spring

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The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving a string fixed at both ends, with given mass density and tension. The fundamental frequency is calculated using the formula FF = 1/2L * sqrt(T/μ), leading to an answer of 371 Hz for part A, while part B identifies the resonance frequency of 742 Hz as the second harmonic. The user struggles to determine the length of the string due to a lack of velocity information. They consider using L = V/2f but need assistance in finding the wave velocity. The thread highlights the challenges in applying wave equations to find string properties.
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Homework Statement


A. A string with a mass density μ = 4.10×10-3 kg/m is under a tension of F = 327 N and is fixed at both ends. One of its resonance frequencies is 742.0 Hz. The next higher resonance frequency is 1113.0 Hz. What is the fundamental frequency of this string?

B. Which harmonic does the resonance frequency at 742.0 Hz correspond to? (i.e. what is n at this frequency?)C. What is the length of the string?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


So for A. I wanted to use the equation...
FF = 1/2L * sqrt(T/μ)
FF - fundamental frequency
Where...
μ = 4.10×10-3 kg/m
T = 327N
but I don't know what L is?
 
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The standing waves in a string forms with integral multiples of half of the wavelength of the generated wave in the string

L = n\frac{\lambda}{2}

and for the speed in the wave we can substitute

\lambda f = \alpha

where

\alpha = \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}

giving

\lambda = \frac{1}{f} \alpha

lets say that the one standing wave forms such that

L = \frac{n\lambda _1}{2}

and the next harmonic such that

L = \frac{(n + 1) \lambda _2}{2}

equating gives

\frac{n\lambda _1}{2} = \frac{(n + 1) \lambda _2}{2}

therefore

n\lambda _1 = (n + 1) \lambda _2

substituting now for \lambda gives

\frac{n \alpha}{f_1} = \frac{(n+1) \alpha}{f_2}

...
 
Last edited:
Wow...okay so is that all just for the first part of the question??
 
Ok I got the answer for A and B (A was 371Hz and B was 2)...but I can not figure out how to determine the length of the string. I thought the equation to use was...
L = V/2f
but I don't have the velocity...
Can someone please help me with this.
Thank you
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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