Obtain the equation of speed of transverse wave on a tensed (stretched) string.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) The speed of transverse waves on a string is determined by two factors: $(i)$ the linear mass density or mass per unit length $\mu$ and $(ii)$ the tension $T$.
The linear mass density $\mu$ of a string is the mass $m$ of the string divided by its length $l$. Therefore,its dimension is $[M^1 L^{-1}]$. The tension $T$ has the dimension of force,namely $[M^1 L^1 T^{-2}]$.
We have to combine $\mu$ and $T$ in such a way as to generate $v$ [dimension $(L T^{-1})$].
It can be seen that the ratio $\frac{T}{\mu}$ has the dimension $[L^2 T^{-2}]$.
$\left[\frac{T}{\mu}\right] = \frac{[M^1 L^1 T^{-2}]}{[M^1 L^{-1}]} = [L^2 T^{-2}]$
Therefore,if $v$ depends only on $T$ and $\mu$,the relation between them must be:
$v = C \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}$
Here $C$ is a dimensionless constant,and it is found that $C = 1$.
The speed of transverse waves on a stretched string is therefore given by:
$v = \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}$

Explore More

Similar Questions

The equation of a wave on a string of linear mass density $0.04 \ kg \ m^{-1}$ is given by $y = 0.02 \sin \left[ 2\pi \left( \frac{t}{0.04 \ s} - \frac{x}{0.50 \ m} \right) \right] \ m$. The tension in the string is .... $N$.

$A$ transverse wave is travelling with velocity $V$ through a metal wire of length $L$ and density $\rho$. The tensile stress in the wire is

$A$ perfectly elastic uniform string is suspended vertically with its upper end fixed to the ceiling and the lower end loaded with a weight. If a transverse wave is imparted to the lower end of the string,the pulse will

Difficult
View Solution

The extension in a string obeying Hooke's law is $x$. The speed of sound in the stretched string is $v$. If the extension in the string is increased to $1.5x$,the speed of sound will be (in $,v$)

Which of the following is an example of a transverse wave?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo