WAVES

Waves are primarily of two types.

1. Mechanical waves.
2. Electromagnetic waves.

Electromagnetic waves do not necessarily need any medium to propagate, whereas mechanical waves
require a material medium for their propagation.
Mechanical waves by nature are of two types.
i) Progressive waves. (waves which propagate with time and space in a material medium)
ii) Standing or stationary waves.

Progressive waves are of two types

i) Longitudinal waves (when medium particles vibrate along the direction of propagation of
disturbance or the wave)
ii) Transverse waves (when medium particles vibrate in a direction perpendicular to the direction of
propagation of disturbance or the wave)
Standing waves
The waves which do not propagate rather remain stands still at a point in a material medium. Such waves
are obtained by superposition of an incident wave and a reflected wave.

Mechanical wave is a disturbance when produced in a medium propagates by certain mechanism though the
medium.

Mechanism of propagation of mechanical wave

When disturbance is produced in a medium the layer adjacent to it moves forward and the zone
between the first layer and the second layer gets densified. Excess pressure in the densified zone exerts force
on the 2nd layer which in turn move forward and the displaced first layer, moves back to its original position
due to recoiling effect. The zone between first and second layer is now rarified and the zone between
displaced second layer and third layer gets densified.
Excess pressure in the densified zone exerts force and subsequently produces rarefied and densified zone.
This is how the disturbance advances by perpetual rarefaction and densification of different zones in the
material medium, in an undiminished manner from the first layer till the last layer.
This periodic and repetitive rarefaction and densification process sets up oscillation of medium particles as a
result different particles execute S.H.M with different phase at different distances from the point of
disturbance. To denote the propagation of a mechanical wave- Equation of S.H.M. of medium particle at any
given distance X from the point of disturbance need to be considered.

Let point of disturbance be origin (0,0). Let phase

difference of a particle executing S.H.M at any
given distance X be φ. Equation of S.H.M of
medium particle at any distance X is
y = A sin (ωt- φ )
Wave length - the minimum distance travelled by the disturbance where the two medium particles
separated by this distance execute S.H.M with same phase or phase difference of 2π.
When path diff. between any two particles executing S.H.M is λ → phase difference is 2π
So, when path difference is x → phase diff. is 2πx/ λ
So, phase difference φ = 2πx/ λ
Equation of S.H.M of a particle at any distance x from point of disturbance given as y = A sin(ωt-2πx/ λ)
Now, 2π/ λ = K = angular wave number.
So, y = A sin(ωt-kx)
or y = A sin (2πt/T- 2πx/ λ) [1/T = v = frequency, speed of wave v = λ/T = vλ ]
or y = A sin 2π(t/T – x/λ) = A sin 2π(vt – x/ λ) = A sin 2π/λ(vt-x)
↓
again, y = A sin 2π/T (t – xT/ λ) → y = A sin ω(t – x/v)

Sign convention of waves

The waves propagating along + ve x-axis has equation y = A sin(ωt – kx)

Equation of wave propagation along – ve x-axis is y = A sin(ωt + kx)

Wave originally propagating along + ve x-axis and reflected from an obstacle

An incident wave and reflected wave has phase difference of π
Incident wave → y = A sin (ωt – kx)
Reflected wave → y = A sin ( ωt– kx + π)
Therefore , y = A sin (kx – ωt)

Wave originally propagating along – ve x-axis and reflected from an obstacle.

y = A sin (ωt + kx + π)
y = - A sin (ωt + kx)

Interference or Superposition of waves

Merging of two progressive waves at a point results in formation of resultant wave & the process is
called interference or superposition of waves. In interference, effect of disturbance of two progressive waves
at the point of interference sets up resultant oscillation of medium particles whose equation is to be treated
as the equation of superposed or resultant wave.

Principle of superposition:
i) The displacement parameter of resultant oscillation of medium particle is vectorial sum of
displacement parameter of individual oscillation of medium particle by the effect of respective
disturbance / wave.

Conditions applicable for superposition:

1. The component waves must originate form coherent source. (source having single v or ω)
2. The two component waves must have a finite phase difference
3. The resultant wave also has a finite phase difference w.r.t each of the component wave.
4. Resultant wave will have same frequency as that of two component waves.
Superposition

Let two waves propagate along + ve x-axis having following equation

y1 = A1 sin (ωt – kx)

y2 = A2 sin(ωt – kx + δ)

As per principal of super position the resultant displacement of S.H.M of medium particle (eqn. of resultant
wave) is vectorial sum of displacement of S.H.M produced by individual component waves.
→ → →
Hence y = y1 + y2 → Therefore both component waves propagating collinearly, y = y1 + y2

y = A1 sin (ωt – kx) + A2 [ sin (ωt – kx) cos δ + cos (ωt – kx) sin δ]

y = (A1 + A2 cos δ) sin (ωt – kx) + A2 sin δ cos (ωt – kx)

Let A1 + A2 cos δ = A cos φ ......(1) & + A2sin δ = A sin φ.........(2)

substituting these values in the eqn. of resultant wave

y = A sin (ωt – kx) cos φ + A sin φ cos (ωt – kx)

y = A sin (ωt – kx + φ) → eqn. of superposed wave (eqn. of resultant S.H.M medium of

particle)

(1)2 + (2)2 → A2 = A12 + A22 + 2 A1A2 cos δ..........(3)

(2) / (1) → tan φ = A2 sin δ / A1 + A2 cos δ → φ = tan -1 (A2 sin δ / A1 + A2 cos δ)

Superposition is of two types --------- 1) Constructive interference

2) Destructive interference

Intensity of wave is related to amplitude of S.H.M of medium particle as I ∞ A2 →I = KA2

Let I1 be the intensity of 1st wave & I2 be the intensity of 2nd wave & I be the intensity of resultant
wave

Therefore using eqn. (3) , intensity of resultant wave.

I = I1 + I2 + 2 √ I1,I2 cos δ

Constructive Interference

In this case after superposition medium particles vibrate with max. amplitude
 There fore A is max

Therefore I is also max

For I to be max

cos δ = 1

δ = 2nπ [ n = 1 , 2 ,.....]

( 2 π / λ) x =2nπ [where x is separation between the two sources producing progressive

waves]

x = nλ

Therefore , if the two sources are separated by an integral multiple of λ , such super position takes place.

Destructive interference

In this case after superposition medium particle vibrate with minimum amplitude.

Therefore A is minimum

Therefore I is minimum

For I to be minimum

cos δ = - 1

δ = (2n – 1) π [ n = 1,2......]

( 2 π / λ) x = (2n – 1) π

x = (n – 1/2) λ

Therefore , if the two sources are separated by an odd multiple of λ/2 , such superposition
takes place.

Speed of longitudinal and transverse wave in a material medium depends on two factors :-

1. elastic factor of the material medium

2. inertia factor of the material medium

Elastic factor for a solid medium is represented by young’s modulus ‘Y’ and that in the fluid medium is
given by bulk modulus ‘B’.
Inertia factor is represented by the density of the medium. For solid medium longitudinal wave speed
vL = √Y / ρ and for fluid medium vL = √B/ ρ

Transverse wave propagation in a stretched string :

When a string is tied (under tention ) between two rigid ends disturbance produced at any point in the string
by plucking sets up transverse wave pulse in the following manner.

Pt. Of disturbance

X=0 X=L

Mechanism
As the loop is produced by plucking the extra tension created in the string acts at every segment of the
loop tangentially. Solid rigid body can bear tension and due to elastic property each part of the loop pulls its
previous part tangentially. As a result loop transmission takes place periodically up and down which sets up
transverse pulse in the string. This happens because of elastic and inertia factor are present in the solid.
Propagation of loop takes place along the string whereas the loop vibrates perpendicular to the direction of
propagation of wave. This is how transverse pulse is produced in a string.

Due to elastic factor the string regains its original shape & the loop once created returns to its original
level.
Due to inertia factor each part pulls its previous part tangential. As a result loop transmission takes
place along the string.

Speed of transverse wave is the speed with which loop transmission takes place.

comparison of speed of transverse wave &longitudinal in solid

Longitudinal wave in a stretched string may also be obtained in following manner.

1) By rubbing the string along its length

2) By hammering one of the rigid ends

 VL = √Y / ρ Vtr = √Yɛ / ρ

For elastic deformation ɛ << 1 Therefore VL >> Vtr

Considerations: The mass of string is negligibly small therefore weight force can be ignored. Compared
to other forces present in the system.
Speed of transverse wave
Consider a small length dl of the loop having mass dm.
M
L

T Cos T Cos
T
T R

T Sin T Sin

Net radial force towards the centre = 2T sin dθ / 2 + dmg = FC.P

2T sin dθ / 2 + dmg ≈ → 2T sin dθ / 2 = dm(V2tr / R) [Vtr = speed of transmission of loop = speed of tr.
wave]

dθ < 4o 2T (dθ / 2 ) = dm(V2tr / R) →T dθ = dm(V2 / R)

Therefore , R dθ = d L→ TdL = dmV2tr → T = (dm /dL)V2tr → Therefore dm / dL = µ

______
Therefore , T / µ = V2tr → Vtr = √T / µ = Vtr = √T / πr2ρ [ r = radius of c/s of the string
ρ = density ]

By creating the loop in the string , elastic deformation takes place. Using Hook’s law →

ϭ = Yɛ → T / α = Yɛ → Yɛ

→ Vtr =(Yɛ / ρ) 1/2

Liquid and gas being non-rigid cannot bear any tension. Hence for liquid and gas transverse wave
propagation is not possible.

Stationary wave in a stretched string

1 5
P

2
Consider 2 waves, one propagating along – ve x-axis and the other is a reflected wave from the rigid end
originally and originally was traveling along + ve x-axis
y1 = A sin (ωt + kx) (- ve x-axis)
y2 = A sin (kx- ωt)
At the point of superposition P the resultant wave produced has equation
y = y1 + y2
y = A [sin(ωt + kx) + sin (kx - ωt )]
y = A [ 2sin kx cos ωt]
y = 2A sin kx cos ωt.
A progressive wave has general equation → y = A sin (ωt – kx) which has two parts
1. spatial part given by kx
2. time part given by ωt.

If in an equation of wave special part is absent then it is a standing or stationary wave. In this case wave
does not further propagate but medium particles vibrate with different amplitude at different distance from
the point of superposition

Equation of superposed wave in string.

y = (2Asinkx) cos ω

y = Aʹ cos ωt

Aʹ = 2A sin kx

[Aʹ = amplitude of stationary wave → amplitude of

vibration of a medium particle at any distance x from the

point of superposition]
for Aʹ to be maximum ( I is max → Constructive interference )
sin kx = ±1
kx = (2n -1) π/2 [ n = 1, 2…….]
2πx/λ = (2n-1) π/2
x = (n- ½ ) λ/2 → x denotes various positions on the string from the origin where antinodes are locate
Separation between consecutive active (antinodes)
n = 1→ λ/4 = x1
n = 2 → λ/4 = x
(x2 – x1) = λ/2
Those points where medium particles vibrate at maximum amplitude are called antinodes. Those points
where medium particles vibrate with minimum amplitude are called nodes
Aʹ = 2A sinkx

For nodes Aʹ has to be minimum

So, sin kx = 0
kx = nπ
2πx/ λ = nπ
x = n λ/2→ positions of nodes from origin P.
Separation between two consecutive nodes
x1 = λ/2→ Position of 1st node
x2 = λ → Position of 2nd node
x2 - x1 = λ/2
Separation between consecutive node & antinode = λ/2 – λ/4 = λ/4

Mode of vibration in stretched string

DA
DN DN
X=L/2

X=0 X=L

If the string vibrates in single loop.

Vibration (1st harmonic) is formed.

λ/2 = L

λ=2L

Vr = √T/ µ
fundamental frequency of vibration υ1 = Vr/ λ = 1/2L √T/ µ

DN DN

X=0 DA X=L
X=L/2
For two loop vibration
λ/2 = L/2
λ=L
Frequency of 2nd harmonic υ2 = Vr/ λ = 1/L√T/ µ = 2/2L√T/ µ

Overtone frequency→ It is the frequency in excess of fundamental mode of vibration

So, Second harmonic is one over fundamental and is called first over tone. Therefore pth harmonic is (p-1)th
Overtone.

Frequency of pth harmonic υp = p/2L√T/ µ

Each of the harmonic frequency is also called resonant frequency.

Intensity of transverse wave

Intensity (I) = Energy/(Area x time)

Intensity is Energy of transverse wave propagating through the unit c/s of the string per unit time normally
= Energy of S.H.M of medium particle per unit area per unit time.

∆L c/s area = α density of material = ρ

(∆ t) frequency of vibration = ν
A = Amplitude of vibration
∆ L = separation between
two sections of the string I =ES.H.M / α ∆ t = 1/2 ∆ m ω2A2 / α ∆ t [∆ m = mass of portion of the
string between (1) & (2)]
∆ t = time taken by
the tr. wave to travel ∆ L ∆ m = α ∆ L ρ → I = 1/2 α ∆ L ρ (2πν)2A2 / α ∆ t

∆ L / ∆ t = Tr. wave speed. = Vtr I = 1/2 (∆ L / ∆ t) ρ . 4π2υ2A2

I = 2 π2υ 2A2ρ . Vtr .

power transmitted throw the string = E S.H.M / ∆ t = I α = 2 π2 υ 2A2ρ Vtr α

Energy density = ES.H.M / volume = ES.H.M / α ∆ L = 1/2 (α ∆ L ρ) ω2A2 / α ∆ L

= 1/2 ρ ω2A2 =2 π2 υ 2A2ρ

When all other parameters remain constant , I ∞ A2
Intensity = Energy density x Wave speed of medium particle
 KEY FORMULAE

1. Equation of a progressive wave

a) propagating along +ve x → y = A sin (ωt – kx)

y = A sin ω (t – x/v)

b) propagating along -ve x → y = A sin (ωt + kx)

y = A sin ω (t + x/v)

c) Reflected wave originally propagating along +ve x → y = A sin (kx – ωt)

y = A sin ω (x/v – t)

d) Reflected wave originally propagating along - ve x → y = A sin (kx + ωt)

y = A sin ω (x/v + t)

2. condition of constructive interference

x = nλ

condition of destructive interference → x = (n – 1 / 2) λ

separation between consecutive nodes ∆x = λ / 2

separation between consecutive antinodes ∆x = λ / 2

separation between consecutive node & antinodes (∆x) = λ / 4

3. speed of mechanical wave by longitudinal mode

a) In solid medium → vL = √Y / ρ
b) In fluid medium → vL = √B/ ρ

4. speed of mechanical wave by transverse mode → Vtr = √T / µ

Vtr = √T / πr2ρ

Vtr = √Yɛ / ρ
5. Equation of standing wave produced by vibration in stretched string with both ends fixed

y = 2A sin kx cos ωt

Amplitude (Aʹ) = 2A sin kx

Maximum amplitude (Aʹ) = 2A

6. Vibrating of stretched string fixed at both ends

Fundamental frequency (υ1 ) = 1/2L √T/ µ

P th harmonic frequency (υp ) = p/2L√T/ µ

1st overtone frequency = 2nd harmonic frequency = 2 / 2L√T/ µ

P th harmonic = (p – 1) th overtone

7. Intensity of transverse wave propagating

Through a string I = 2 π2υ 2A2ρ . Vtr .

8. Average power transmitted through string (pav) = I α

= 2 π2 υ 2A2ρ Vtr α

9. Energy density = Intensity / speed of wave

Therefore , Energy density = 2 π2 υ 2A2ρ α

 WAVES IN STRING

LEVEL - I
1. The equation of a wave travelling on a string stretched along the X-axis is given by
y = A e – (x / α + t / T ) 2
a) Write the dimensions of A , α and T . b) Find the wave speed . c) In which
direction is the wave traveling ? d) where is the maximum of the pulse located at
t= T ? At t = 2 T
a) L , L , T b) α / T c) negative x- direction d) x = - α and x = -2 α

2. The displacement of the particle at x = 0 of a stretched string carrying a wave in

the positive x-direction is given by f(t) = A sin (t / T) . The wave speed is v. Write the
wave equation . f(x , t) = A sin (t / T – x / Vt)

3. The equation of a wave traveling on a string is

y = (0.10 mm) sin [(31.4 m -1 )x + (314 s -1 )t ].

a) In which direction does the wave travel ? b) Find the wave speed, the
wavelength and the frequency of the wave. c) What is the maximum
displacement and the maximum speed of a portion of the string ?

a) negative x-direction b) 10 m/s , 20 cm , 50 Hz c) 0.10 mm , 3.14 cm/s

4. A wave travels along the positive x-direction with a speed of 20 m/s. The amplitude
of the wave is 0.20 cm and the wavelength 2.0 cm. a) Write a suitable wave equation
which describes this wave. b) What is the displacement and velocity of the particle
at x = 2.0 cm at time t = 0 according to the wave equation written ? Can you get
different values of this quantity if the wave equation is written in a different fashion ?

a) y = (0.20 cm) sin [(π cm -1 )x – (2π x 10 3 s -1 )t] b) zero , 4 π m/s

5. A string of linear mass density 0.5 g / cm and a total length 30 cm is tied to a fixed
wall at one end and to a frictionless ring at the other end . The ring can move on a
vertical rod. A wave pulse is produced on the string which moves towards the ring at
a speed of 20 cm/s. The pulse is symmetric about its maximum which is located at a
distance of 20 cm from the end joined to the ring. a) Assuming that the wave is
reflected from the ends without loss of energy , find the time taken by the string to
regain its shape. b) The shape of the string changes periodically with time. Find this
time period. c) What is the tension in the string ?

a) 2 s b) 3 s c) 2 x 10 -3 N
6. A travelling wave is produced on a long horizontal string by vibrating an end up
and down sinusoidally. The amplitude of vibration is 1.0 cm and the displacement
becomes zero 200 times per second. The linear mass density of the string is 0.10 kg/m
and it is kept under a tension of 90 N. a) Find the speed and the wavelength of the
wave. b) Assume that the wave moves in the positive x-direction and at t = 0, the
end x = 0 is at its positive extreme position . Write the wave equation . c) Find the
velocity and acceleration of the particle at x = 50 cm at time t = 10 ms.

a) 30 m/s, 30 cm b) y = (1.0 cm) cos 2π[ (x / 30 cm) – (t / 0.01 s )]

c) – 5.4 m/s, 2.0 km/s

7. Two blocks each having a mass of 3.2 kg are connected by a wire CD and the
system is suspended from the ceiling by another wire AB . The linear mass density of
the wire AB is 10 g/m and that of CD is 8 g/m . Find the speed of a transverse wave
pulse produced in AB and in CD.

79 m/s and 63 m/s

8. A heavy ball is suspended from the ceiling of a motor car through a light string. A
transverse pulse travels at a speed of 60 cm/s on the string when the car is at rest and
62 cm/s when the car accelerates on a horizontal road. Find the acceleration of the car.
Take g = 10 m/s2 3.7 m/s 2

9. A heavy but uniform rope of length L is suspended from a ceiling. a) Write the
velocity of a transverse wave traveling on the string as a function of the distance from
the lower end. b) If the rope is given a sudden sideways jerk at the bottom, how long
will it take for the pulse to reach the ceiling ? c) A particle is dropped from the
ceiling at the instant the bottom end is given the jerk. Where will the particle meet the
pulse ?

a) √ gx b) √ 4 L / g c) at a distance L / 3 from the bottom

10. Two long strings A and B , each having linear mass density 1.2 x 10 -2 kg/m , are
stretched by different tensions 4.8 N and 7.5 N respectively and are kept parallel to
each other with their left ends at x = 0. Wave pulses are produced on the strings at the
left ends at t = 0 on string A and at t = 20 ms on string B. When and where will the
pulse on B overtake that on A ?
at t = 100 ms at x = 2.0 m
11. A transverse wave of amplitude 0.50 mm and frequency 100 Hz is produced on a
wire stretched to a tension of 100 N. If the wave speed is 100 m/s, what average
power is the source transmitting to the wire ?
49 mW

12. A 200 Hz wave with amplitude 1 mm travels on a long string of linear mass
density 6 g/m kept under a tension of 60 N. a) Find the average power transmitted
across a given point on the string. b) Find the total energy associated with the wave in
a 2.0 m long portion of the string.
a) 0.47 W b) 9.4 Mj

13. A tuning fork of frequency 440 Hz is attached to a long string of linear mass
density 0.01 kg/m kept under a tension of 49 N. The fork produces transverse waves
of amplitude 0.50 mm on the string. a) Find the wave speed and the wavelength of
the waves. b) Find the maximum speed and acceleration of a particle of the string.
c) At what average rate is the tuning fork transmitting energy to the string ?

a) 70 m/s , 16 cm b) 1.4 m/s, 3.8 km/s c) 0.67 W

14. Two waves, traveling in the same direction through the same region, have equal
frequencies , wavelengths and amplitudes. If the amplitude of each wave is 4 mm and
the phase difference between the waves is 90 o , what is the resultant amplitude ?

4√ 2 mm

15. Two waves, each having a frequency of 100 Hz and a wavelength of 2.0 cm, are
traveling in the same direction on a string. What is the phase difference between the
waves a) if the second wave was produced 0.015 s later than the first one at the same
place, b) if the two waves were produced at the same instant but the first one was
produced a distance 4.0 cm behind the second one ? c) If each of the waves has an
amplitude of 2.0 mm , what would be the amplitudes of the resultant waves in part
( a) and (b) ?
a) 3π b) 4π c) zero , 4.0 mm

16. A string, fixed at both ends, vibrates in a resonant mode with a separation of 2.0
cm between the consecutive nodes. For the next higher resonant frequency, this
separation is reduced to 1.6 cm. Find the length of the string.

8.0 cm

17. A 660 Hz tuning fork sets up vibration in a string clamped at both ends. The wave
speed for a transverse wave on this string is 220 m/s and the string vibrates in three
loops.
a) Find the length of the string. b) If the maximum amplitude of a particle is 0.5 cm,
write a suitable equation describing the motion.

a) 50 cm b) (0.5 cm) sin [(0.06 π cm -1)x] x cos[(1320 π s -1)t]

18. A particular guitar wire is 30.0 cm long and vibrates at a frequency of 196 Hz
when no finger is placed on it. The next higher notes on the scale are 220 Hz, 247 Hz,
262 Hz and 294 Hz. How far from the end of the string must the finger be placed to
play these notes ?
26.7 cm , 23.8 cm 22.4 cm and 20.0 cm

19. A uniform horizontal rod of length 40 cm and mass 1.2 kg is supported by two
identical wires as shown in fig. Where should a mass of 4.8 kg be placed on the rod so
that the same tuning fork may excite the wire on left into its fundamental vibrations
and that on right into its first overtone ? Take g = 10 m/s2

5 cm from the left end

20. Fig. shows an aluminium wire of length 60 cm joined to a steel wire of length 80
cm and stretched between two fixed supports. The tension produced is 40 N2. The
cross-sectional area of the steel wire is 1.0 mm and that of the aluminium wire is 3.0
mm 2. What could be the minimum frequency of a tuning fork which can produce
standing waves in the system with the joint as a node ? The density of aluminium is
2.6 g/cm3 and that of steel is 7.8 g/cm3
180 Hz

21. A string of length L fixed at both ends vibrates in its fundamental mode at a
frequency v and a maximum amplitude A . a) Find the wavelength and the wave
number k . b) Take the origin at one end of the string and the X-axis along the string.
Take the Y-axis along the direction of the displacement. Take t = 0 at the instant when
the middle point of the string passes through its mean position and is going towards
the positive y-direction. Write the equation describing the standing wave.

a) 2L , π / L b) y = A sin (πx / L) sin (2 πvt)

22. A 2 m long string fixed at both ends is set into vibrations in its first overtone. The
wave speed on the string is 200 m/s and the amplitude is 0.5 cm. a) Find the
wavelength and the frequency. b) Write the equation giving the displacement of
different points as a function of time. Choose the X-axis along the string with the
origin at one end and t = 0 at the instant when the point x = 50 cm has reached its
maximum displacement.

a) 2 m , 100 Hz b) (0.5 cm) sin[(πm -1) x] cos [(200 π s-1) t]

23. The equation for the vibration of a string, fixed at both ends vibrating in its third
harmonic , is given by
y = (0.4 cm) sin [(0.314 cm-1) x ] cos [(600 π s -1)t]

a) What is the frequency of vibration ? b) What are the positions of the nodes ? c)
What is the length of the string ? d) What is the wavelength and the speed of two
traveling waves that can interfere to give this vibration ?

a) 300 Hz b) 0 , 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm c) 30 cm d) 20 cm, 60 m/s

24. Fig. shows a string stretched by a block going over a pulley. The string vibrates in
its tenth harmonic in unison with a particular tuning fork. When a beaker containing
water is brought under the block so that the block is completely dipped into the
beaker, the string vibrates in its eleventh harmonic. Find the density of the material of
the block.
5.8 x 10 3 kg / m 3

25. A heavy string is tied at one end to a movable support and to a light thread at the
other end as shown in fig. The thread goes over a fixed pulley and supports a weight
to produce a tension. The lowest frequency with which the heavy string resonates is
120 Hz. If the movable support is pushed to the right by 10 cm so that the joint is
placed on the pulley, what will be the minimum frequency at which the heavy string
can resonate ?

240 Hz
 WAVES IN STRING (LEVEL- II)
1. A wire of length l is kept just taut horizontally between two walls. A mass m
hanging from its mid-point depresses it by δ. Calculate the time in which a pulse set
up at one end will reach the other end. The mass of the wire per unit length of it is µ.

( 4µlδ / mg)1/2

2. A wire of length 1 m is clamped between two supports 1.01 m apart. It vibrates

with frequency 500 Hz at 20o C. At what temperature will the frequency attain the
lower limit of the sonic frequencies ( sonic frequencies vary from 16 Hz to 20,000Hz)
. The coefficient of linear expansion of the material of the wire is 11 x 10 -6 / oC

928.3oC

3. The linear density of a wire under tension T varies linearly from µ1 to µ2. Calculate
the time that a pulse would need to pass from one end to the other. The length of the
wire is l.

2l (µ2 3/2 - µ1 3/2 ) / 3 (µ2 - µ1 ) √T

4. A string 120 cm in length sustains a standing wave, with the points of the string at
which the displacement amplitude is equal to 3.5 mm being separated by 15.0 cm.
Find the maximum displacement amplitude. To which overtone do these oscillations
correspond ?

amax = 5 mm; to the third overtone

5. A standing wave ξ = a sin kx cos ωt is maintained in a homogeneous rod with c/s

area S and density ρ. Find the total mechanical energy confined between the sections
corresponding to the adjacent displacement nodes.

W = 1/4 πSρω2a2 / k

6. A copper wire is held at the two ends by rigid supports. At 30 o C the wire is just
taut with negligible tension. Find the speed of transverse waves in the wire at 10o C.
(α = 1.7 x 10-5 oC-1 , Y = 1.3 x 1011 N m-2 , ρ = 9 x 103 kgm-3)

70 ms -1

7. Two similar sonometer wires of the same material produce 2 beat per second. The
length of one is 50 cm and that of the other is 50.1 cm. Calculate the frequencies of
the two wires.
1002 Hz , 1000 Hz