Rankers Physics

Progressive Wave in a String: Practice Problem & Solution

A $5.5 \text{ metre}$ length of string has a mass of $0.035 \text{ kg}$. If the tension in the string in $77 \text{ N}$, the speed of a wave on the string is: (1989)
$110 \text{ ms}^{-1}$
$165 \text{ ms}^{-1}$
$77 \text{ ms}^{-1}$
$102 \text{ ms}^{-1}$

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Progressive Wave in a String. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Linear mass density $\mu = m/L = 0.035 / 5.5 = 0.00636 \text{ kg/m}$. Wave speed $v = \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}} = \sqrt{\frac{77}{0.035/5.5}} = \sqrt{12100} = 110 \text{ ms}^{-1}$.

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