Speed of waves through two String

In summary, the conversation discusses a scenario where a 1800 N irregular beam is hanging from a ceiling by two vertical wires A and B, each 1.24 m long and weighing 2.9 N. The center of gravity of the beam is located 1/3 of the way along the beam from the end where wire A is attached. The question is then posed about the time delay between the arrival of two pulses at the ceiling if both strings are plucked at the same time at the bottom. The formula v=sqrt(T/mu) is used to calculate the velocity in strings A and B, which results in va=50.22 and vb=71.026. Using the formula t=1.24/v
  • #1
Punkyc7
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A 1800 N irregular beam is hanging by its ends from a ceiling by 2 vertical wires A and B. Each are 1.24 m long and they both weigh 2.9 N. The center of gravity of this beam is 1/3 of the way along the beam from the end where wire A is attached.

If you pluck both strings at the same time at the bottom, what is the time delay between the arrival of the 2 pulses at the ceiling

v= sqrt(T/mu)

so for the velocity in strng A I did va=sqrt((1/3T+5.8)/(.23864)=50.22

did the same thing for b and got 71.026

so for the time we do Deltax=vt so t=1.24/v

ta=.0246
tb= .0174

to the time difference is .00714

my question is if I did everything right?
since the tension is higher in beam A shouldn't that one reach the ceiling for B, for some reason it turned out the other way around when I solved for v
 
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  • #2
Check your equation for va.

ehild
 

FAQ: Speed of waves through two String

What is the speed of a wave through two strings?

The speed of a wave through two strings depends on several factors, including the tension of the strings, the mass per unit length of the strings, and the frequency of the wave. It can be calculated using the equation v = √(T/μ), where v is the wave speed, T is the tension of the strings, and μ is the mass per unit length of the strings.

How does the tension of the strings affect the speed of the wave?

The tension of the strings has a direct relationship with the speed of the wave. As the tension increases, the speed of the wave also increases. This is because a higher tension results in a higher restoring force, which allows the wave to travel faster through the strings.

What is the role of mass per unit length in determining the speed of the wave?

The mass per unit length of the strings plays a significant role in determining the speed of the wave. A higher mass per unit length will result in a slower wave speed, as the wave must overcome more inertia to travel through the strings.

How does the frequency of the wave affect its speed through two strings?

The frequency of the wave has an inverse relationship with its speed through two strings. This means that as the frequency increases, the speed of the wave decreases. This is because a higher frequency results in shorter wavelengths, which require less time to travel through the strings.

Can the speed of a wave through two strings be changed?

Yes, the speed of a wave through two strings can be changed by altering the tension of the strings or the mass per unit length. Additionally, the medium through which the wave is traveling can also affect its speed. For example, the speed of a wave through a denser medium, such as water, will be slower compared to traveling through a less dense medium, such as air.

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