Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 21 - Superposition - Exercises and Problems - Page 622: 32

Answer

$5.4\;\rm m$

Work Step by Step

Since the string vibrates at its third-harmonic frequency, the wavelength of the standing waves is then equal to two-thirds the length of the string; $(\lambda=\frac{2}{3}L)$. The amplitude is given by $$A_{(x)}=A_{max}\sin (kx)$$ where $k=2\pi/\lambda$ $$A_{(x)}=A_{max}\sin \left(\dfrac{2\pi}{\frac{2}{3}L}x\right)$$ $$A_{(x)}=A_{max}\sin \left(\dfrac{3\pi}{L}x\right)$$ At $x=30$ cm, $A=\frac{1}{2}A_{max}$, so $$\frac{1}{2}\color{red}{\bf\not} A_{max} =\color{red}{\bf\not} A_{max}\sin \left(\dfrac{3\pi}{L}[0.30]\right)$$ $$ \dfrac{0.9\pi}{L} =\sin^{-1}\left[\frac{1}{2}\right]$$ $$ \dfrac{0.9\color{red}{\bf\not} \pi}{L} = \frac{\color{red}{\bf\not} \pi}{6} $$ Thus, $$L=\color{red}{\bf 5.4}\;\rm m$$
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