Transverse Wave Physics Example 2

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Example 2

medium
A transverse wave on a string has a speed of 20 m/s20 \text{ m/s}. The string has a tension of 80 N80 \text{ N}. What is the linear mass density of the string?

Solution

  1. 1
    The speed of a transverse wave on a string is v=Tμv = \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}, where TT is tension and μ\mu is linear mass density.
  2. 2
    Rearrange: μ=Tv2\mu = \frac{T}{v^2}.
  3. 3
    μ=80202=80400=0.2 kg/m\mu = \frac{80}{20^2} = \frac{80}{400} = 0.2 \text{ kg/m}

Answer

μ=0.2 kg/m\mu = 0.2 \text{ kg/m}
The speed of a transverse wave on a string depends on the tension and the linear mass density. Higher tension increases speed; heavier strings decrease speed.

About Transverse Wave

A wave in which the particles of the medium oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Learn more about Transverse Wave →

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Example 3 medium

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Example 4 hard

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