A string has mass 5.0 grams, and is stretched with 180 N of tension. A wave travels on this string with frequency 260 Hz and wavelength 0.60 m. Determine the length of the string.

3.68×10¯⁶ m

Explanation:

The following data were obtained from the question:

Mass (m) = 5 g

Tension (T) = 180 N

Frequency (f) = 260 Hz

Wavelength (λ) = 0.60 m.

Length (L) =?

Next, we shall determine the period of the wave. This can be obtained as follow:

Period is simply defined as the time taken to complete 1 oscillation. Mathematically, it is represented as:

Period (T) = 1/frequency (f)

T = 1/f

Thus, with the above formula, the period of the wave can be obtained as shown below:

Frequency (f) = 260 Hz

Period (T) =?

T = 1/f

T = 1/260

T = 3.85×10¯³ s

Finally, we shall determine the length of the string as follow:

Period (T) = 3.85×10¯³ s

Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 9.8 m/s²

Pi (π) = 3.14

Length (L) =?

T = 2π√(L/g)

3.85×10¯³ = 2 × 3.14 × √(L/9.8)

3.85×10¯³ = 6.28 × √(L/9.8)

Divide both side by 6.28

3.85×10¯³ / 6.28 = √(L/9.8)

Take the square of both side

(3.85×10¯³ / 6.28)² = L/9.8

Cross multiply

L = (3.85×10¯³ / 6.28)² × 9.8

L = 3.68×10¯⁶ m

Therefore, the length of the string is 3.68×10¯⁶ m