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View Full Version : Need help finding maximum mass allowed on standing wave


illinihawks
May 2, 2011, 12:16 AM
A standing wave pattern is created on a string with mass density μ = 0.00033 kg/m. A wave generator with frequency f = 62 Hz is attached to one end of the string and the other end goes over a pulley and is connected to a mass (ignore the weight of the string between the pulley and mass). The distance between the generator and pulley is L = 0.71 m. (using second harmonic wave pattern)

http://www.smartphysics.com/images/content/mechanics/ch24/standingwave2.png

what is the maximum mass that can be used to still create a coherent standing wave pattern?

My way of attacking this problem was that in order to find max mass, we need to find tension first so we can divide that by gravity to get the maximum mass. But to find tension, I need maximum velocity so I can use T = v^2 * u. anyone have any suggestions?

thanks!

illinihawks
May 2, 2011, 10:24 AM
I know v_max = w * A but how do I go about finding A (amplitude) given the above info?

Thanks!