MECHANICAL WAVES IN STRING

Total number of questions in this chapter are :

(i) In chapter Examples ....................... 17

(ii) Solved Examples ....................... 15

Total no. of questions ....................... 32

1. INTRODUCTION
There are two modes of energy transfer -
(a) Particle Motion - When particle is transferred
from one part of space to the other it carries
energy with it.
(b) Wave Motion - W hen no particle is
transferred from one part of space to the other
although energy is transported.
2. CLASSIFICATION OF WAVES
Waves may be of following two types :
2.1 Electro-Magnetic Waves (E.M waves) :
(Medium is not necessary for propagation)
(I) Periodic changes takes place in electric &
magnetic f ields hence, it is called
electromagnetic wave
(II) In Vacuum, E.M. waves travel with light
velocity
(III) E.M. waves can be polarised
(IV) E.M. waves are transverse in nature
(V) Medium is not required for propagation of E.M.
Waves
(VI) E.M. waves has momentum
e.g. Radio waves, light waves, thermal radiation.
2.2 Mechanical Wave - (Medium is essential)
(I) Method of energy propagation, in which
disturbance propagates with definite velocity
without changing its f orm, is called
mechanical wave.
(II) Energy & momentum propagates by motion
of particles of medium. But medium remain
at previous position, Mass transfer does not
take place.
(III) Propagation is possible due to property of
medium viz. Elasticity & inertia. Mechanical
waves may be of two types :
2.2.1 Transverse Waves -
(a) The particles of medium vibrate in a
direction perpendicular to the direction of
propagation of wave.
e.g. Vibration of string, the surface waves
produced on the surface of solid and liquid.
(b) Crest & Trough are formed.
NOTE: Polarisation of transverse waves is possible
(but it is not possible for longitudinal waves.)
2.2.2 Longitudinal Waves -
(a) Vibration of the particles of the medium are
in the direction of wave propagation.
e.g. Sound waves, Waves in gases
(b) Wave proceeds in form of compression (C)
& rarefaction (R).
(c) At places of compression the pressure and
density are maximum, while at places of
rarefaction those are minimum.
Ex.1 The sound wave produced in a gas is always -
(A) longitudinal (B) Transverse
(C) Stationary (D) Electro magnetic
Sol.(A) In gases only longitudinal wav es can
propagate.
3. EQUATION OF A PLANE PROGRESSIVE WAVE
(1) W hen a particle execute S.H.M. then
displacement is given by :
y = A sin(t +) where  is phase difference
(2) In progressive wave each particle performs
S.H.M & transfer its energy & momentum to
nearest particle. Let point P is reference point
and it oscillates in simple harmonic manner.
y = A sin t. This is oscillation equation of
point P.
Let wave travels in (+) ve direction with
constant velocity (v). Point Q is at x distance
from point P. At time t, the displacement of
point Q will be same as that of displacement
of point P at time (t – x/v)
 displacement of point Q at time t,
 y = A sin  (t - x/v) .....................(a) (3) Wave Frequency (n) - Number of vibrations
made per second by the particles and is
(i) Equation of progressive wave in positive denoted by n.
x direction -
n = 1/T unit : Hz
y = A sin  (t – x/v) .......................(1)
Angular Frequency :      = 2n
x is coordinate of point P w.r.t origin unit : rad/sec
(ii) Equation of progressive wave in nega- (4) Wave Length () - The distance between
tive x direction - two consecutive particle in the same phase
y = A sin  (t + x/v) .......................(2) or the distance travelled by the wave in one
periodic time and denoted by 
x is coordinate of point Q w.r.t. origin.
 Wave Velocity V = n
NOTE :
B  F

DISPLACEMENT
(1) Equation (1) & (2) represents displacement 
of particle from equilibrium at time t. It means A a
  E  I
 
that y is displacement of point Q from mean  C a
 G

position. D H
(2) Periodic motion of point Q can be expressed
by y = A sin t, in the same way as that DIRECTION OF PROPAGATION OF WAVE
of point P. In equation (1) & (2), it is Other Relation :
supposed that point P is reference point,
that's why sign of x is opposite, otherwise 2/k
equation (1) & (2) is same. 
y >
dy x
(3) At time t, Velocity of particle = ,
dt t = constant
Position of different particles at some
dx instant in a string
Wave velocity =
dt
  
(4) Equation (A) represents displacement of V = n = =   =
T 2 k
particle in the perpendicular direction of wave
motion w.r.t. mean position. By this equation where k is defined as wave number.
we can calculate displacement of particle in (5) Intensity of Wave :
the direction perpendicular to wave motion.
In medium, propagation energy perpendicular
Equation (A) is called the equation of plane
to per unit area per second is called
progressive wave.
intensity of wave.
4. VARIOUS TERMS RELATED TO WAVE MOTION I = 22n2a2v
Where  = density of the medium ,
(1) Amplitude (A) - The maximum displacement
v = Wave velocity, a = amplitude ,
of a vibrating particle of the medium from the
n = Wave frequency
mean position. 'A' shows amplitude in
y = A sin t Unit : W/m 2 It v &  is constant, then
(2) Periodic time (T) - Time taken to complete I  (frequency)2 & I  (Amplitude)2
one oscillation and denoted by T. (6) Energy Density : Energy per unit volume is
2 called energy density.
 3T/2 Energy Intensity
T/2 T E = Energy density =
y > Energy Velocity
 t
2 2n 2 a2v
x = constant = , E = 22n2a2
v
1 (7) Wave Pressure : When a wave incidents on
T =
n surface then it produces pressure on it, it is
n is called frequency called wave pressure.
5. IMPORTANT FORMS OF EQUATION OF WAVE

PARTICLE DISPLACEMENT
(I) y = A sin (t – kx)

2 a
T/2 T Time

(II) y = A sin (t – x) T/4 3T/4 3T/2 2T t


(III) y = A sin (t – ( xT/)}

For a particle at different time t
(IV) y = A sin 2 (nt – x/)

PARTICLE DISPLACEMENT
(V) y = A sin 2/T (t – x T/)
(VI) y = A sin (2/) (vt – x) 
a 
 /2
(VII) y = A sin 2 (nt – nx/v) /4 3 /2 2
x
3 /4
(VIII) y = A sin  (t – x/v)
For various particles at a constant time t

With Motion in (+) ve x direction Motion in (–) ve x direction

Ref. to Point O

Far away O y = A sin (t –x/v) O y = A sin (t+x/v)

from point O

Towards O y = A sin (t +x/v) O y = A sin (t– x/v)

point O

Point O is considered as reference point.

Ex.2 A progressive wave of frequency 500Hz is Ex.3 The equation of a simple harmonic progressive
travelling with a velocity of 360 meter/sec. wave is y = 8 sin (0.628 x – 12.56t), where
How far partare two points 600 out of phase. y and x are in cm and t in second. The
(A) 0.12 cm (B) 1.2 m amplitude, frequency and speed of the wave
(C) 0.06 m (D) 0.12 m and the phase difference between two parti-
cles at a distance of 2.0 cm apart at any
Sol.(D) Velocity of the wave, v = 360 m/sec.
instant will be.
frequency,n = 500Hz,
(A) 8cm, 2per sec, 10 cm/sec, 52º
According to the formula v = n, the (B) 4cm, 4per sec, 20cm/sec, 52º
wavelength is (C) 8cm, 2per sec, 20 cm/sec, 72º
(D) 8cm, 2per sec, 10 cm/sec, 52º
360
 = v/n = = 0.72 meter.. Sol.(C) The equation of the wave is,
500
y = 8 sin (0.628 x – 12.56t)
If x be the minimum distance between two and y = 8 sin 2 (0.1x – 2t) cm.
points, then the phase difference between
comparing it with the std. equation
them
F
Gx tI
  = 2/ × x
here,  = 600 = /3
y = a sin 2 H  T JK
amplitude a = 8cm
Therefore the path difference
time period T = 1/2 sec.
0.72  frequency n = 1/T = 2.0 sec
x = /2 ×  = × = 0.12m
2 3 wavelength  = 1/0.1 = 10cm
 Wave speed v = n = 2.0 × 10 = 20 cm/sec.
 If the distance between two points is x, the Ex.7 Write the equation for a wave travelling in the
phase difference between them is given by, negative direction along the x-axis and having
 = 2/ x an amplitude 0.010 metre, a frequency 550
Here, = 10cm and x = 2.0 cm, vib./sec, and a speed 330 metres/sec.
  = 2/10 x 2.0 = 2/5 radian 2
Sol. Here ,a = 0.01 m, k = ,       = v T,,
 = 2/5 x 1800 = 720. 
1
Ex.4 The disturbance of wave propagating in positive T= and  = 2n = 2 x 550 = 1100 
n
1
x-direction at t = 0 is y = and at where v = 330 m/sec.
(1  x 2 )
 10 
1  y = 0.01 sin 1100 t  x   
 3 
t = 2s it becomes y = then the
1  ( x  1)2
phase velocity of the wave will be - 6. INTERFERENCE & PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION
OF WAVES
1 1
(A) m/s (B) m/s
2 4 6.1 Principle of Superposition of Waves
(1) Superposition principle states that the net
1 1
(C) m/s (D) m/s disturbance at a given place and time caused
6 8 by a number of waves in the same space is
Sol.(A) Displacement of wave in x direction the vector sum of the disturbances which
x = x – (x – 1) = 1 m would have been produced by each wave
independent of the other.
time intervelt = 2 – 0 = 2 sec.
(2) Resultant displacement
x 1    
 Phase velocity = = m/s y = y 1 + y 2 + y 3 + -----------
t 2
(3) Value of resultant displacement depends on
Ex.5 The distance between two particles on a
(a) Amplitude of waves
string is 10 cm. If the frequency of wave
propagating in it is 400 Hz and its speed is (b) Phase difference & path difference of
waves
100 m/s then the phase difference between
the particles will be - (c) Frequency of waves
(A) 0.8  Radian (B) 0.4  Radian (d) Direction of wave motion
(C) 0.2  Radian (D) Radian Phenomenon observed due to superposition
depends on above points (a), (b), (c), (d).
2 Phenomenon produced due to superposition
Sol.(A) Phase difference = path difference
 are.
2n 6.2 Interference -
 = 
V When waves of equal frequency & nearly equal
amplitude is superimposed, interference occurs
2  400
      × 0.1 = 0.8  Radian 6.2.1 Mathematical Interference -
100
Ex.6 An observer standing at the sea-coast At a time t, at point x two waves of equal
observes 54 waves reaching the coast per f requency y 1 = a 1 sin(1 t – k 1 x + 1 ) &
minute. If the wavelength of wave is 10 m, y2 = a2sin(t – k2x + 2) is super-imposed, then
find the velocity. what type of waves did he Amplitude A & Intensity I of Resultant wave :
observe ? Explain - A2 = a12 + a22 + 2a1 a2 cos 

& I = I1 + I2 + 2 I 1 I 2 cos 
Sol. Now , v = n  = (54/60) × 10 m/sec.
= 9 m/sec.  = (2 – 1)t – (k2 – k1) x + 2 – 1
The wave observed are transverse because Intensity of resultant wave changes periodically
on the water surface, transverse waves are from minimum to maximum & maximum to
formed. minimum from one point to another point
6.2.2 Constructive Interference : Ex.11 Two sources of intensities I and 4I are used
Where, phase difference  = 2n in interference experiment. Find the intensity
path difference x = n, at points where the waves from the sources
super - impose with a phase difference of
Imax  (a1 + a2)2
(a) zero (b) /2 (c) .
Sol. Resultant intensity is
6.2.3 Destructive Interference :
Where phase difference  = (2n – 1) (a) IR = I1 + I2 + 2 1  2  cos

F
G 1I
n  J
 = I + 4I+ 4I cos   9I
path difference x = H 2K (b) IR = I + 4I + 4I cos (/2)  5
(c) IR = I + 4I + 4I cos  = I
Imin  (a1 – a2)2
Ex.8 Two waves of the same frequency but of 7. REFLECTION & TRANSMISSION OF WAVE
amplitude in the ratio 1 : 3 are superposed.
What is the ratio of maximum to minimum
intensity.
Sol. Let the two amplitudes be a and 3a.
Maximum amplitude = a + 3a = 4a
Imax = (4a)2 = 16 a2
Minimum amplitude = 3a – a = 2a
Imin = (2a)2 = 4a2

 max 16a 2 4
 = 2 =
 min 4a 1
Ex.9 Two waves of the same frequency and
amplitudes 2a and 3a are super-imposed on
each other. (i) For what values of the phase
difference  the amplitude A of the resultant
wave will be maximum and for what values Reflection with inversion Reflection without
minimum ? (ii) Calculate the maximum and inversion
minimum intensities of the resultant wave.
Sol. (i) The intensity is maximum for  = 0, 2,
4 ,............
The intensity is minimum for    3
5, ......
(ii) The maximum intensity is
Imax = (a1 + a2)2 = 25a2 and minimum
intensity is lmin = (a1 – a2)2 = a2
Ex.10 Consider interference between waves from two
sources of intensities I and 4I. Find the
intensities at points where the phase
difference is (i) /2 (ii)  .
Sol. Resultant intensity Reflection with inversion & transmission and
IR = A2 = a12 + a22 + 2a1a2 cos  Transmission & Reflection without inversion.
= I + 4I + 4I cos  If a wave enters a region where wave velocity is
 IR = 5I + 4I cos (/2) = 5I smaller the reflected wave is inverted. If a wave
IR = 5I + 4I cos  = I enters a region where wave velocity is larger the
 (i)   2  IR = 5I reflected wave is not inverted. The transmitted
(ii)  = , IR = I wave is never inverted.
8. STANDING WAVES IN STRINGS AND NORMAL CD CD
MODES OF VIBRATION sin C – sin D = 2 cos sin ,
2 2
Let a harmonic wave be set up on a string of we get
length L, fixed at the two ends x = 0 and x = L.
This wave gets reflected from the two fixed ends 2 2
y = 2r cos vt sin x ........(4)
of the string continuously and as a result of  
superimposition of these waves, standing waves As the arguments of trigonometrical functions
are formed on the string. involved in (4) do not have the form (vt ± x),
Let the wave pulse moving on the string from left therefore, it does not represent a moving harmonic
to right (i.e. along positive direction of x axis) be wave rather , it represents a new kind of waves
represented by called standing or stationary waves.
At one end of the string, where x = 0
2
y1 = r sin (vt - x) From (4) ,

where the symbols have their usual meanings. 2 2
y = 2r cos vt sin (0) = 0
Note that, here x is the distance from the origin  
in the direction of the wave (from left to right). It ( sin 0º = 0)
is often convenient to take the origin (x = 0) at At the other end of the string, where x = L
the interface (the site of reflection), on the right
From (4)
fixed end of the string. In that case, sign of x is
reversed because it is measured from the inter- 2 2
y = 2r cos vt sin L .........(5)
face in a direction opposite to the incident wave.  
The equation of incident wave may, therefore, be
As the other end of the string is fixed,
written as
 y = 0, at this end
2 For this, from (5)
y1 = r sin (vt + x) ........(1)

2
As there is a phase change of  radian on sin L = 0 = sin n ,

reflection at the fixed end of the string, therefore,
the reflected wave pulse travelling from right to where n = 1, 2, 3 ..............
left on the string is represented by 2L 2L
 = n or =
 n
 2 
y2 = r sin  ( vt  x )   Note : n = 1, 2, 3 ..............correspond to Ist,
 
IInd , IIIrd ...........normal modes of vibration of
2 the string.
= – r sin (vt – x) .......(2)

9. LAWS OF VIBRATION IN A STRETCHED
According to superposition principle, the resultant STRING
displacement y at time t and position x is given
by (1) Law of Length - n  1/L  n1/n2 = L2/L1,
y = y1 + y 2 where T & m are constants

2 2 T1
= r sin (vt + x) – r sin (vt – x) (2) Law of Tension - n  T  n1/n2 = T ,
  2

where L & m are constant

 2 2 
y = r sin (vt  x)  sin (vt  x) ........(3) 1 m2
   
(3) Law of Mass - n   n1/n2 = m1 ,
Using the relation, m
where L & T are constant
 Ex.15 If the tension of a string be increased by 2%.
1
(4) Law of Radius - n   n1/n2 = r2/r1, What would be % change in its frequency.
r
Sol. n = k T
where d, L & T are constant 1
 log n = log k + log T
2
1 d2
(5) Law of Density - n   n1/n2 = dn 1  dT 
d d1 , Differentiating, = 0 +  
n 2  T 
where r, T & L are constant % change in frequency
P T dn 1  dT 
General Formula - n = , = × 100 =   × 100
2L m n 2  T 
1  dT 100  1
P T P Mg =   = × 2% = 1%
n = = 2  T  2
2Lr d 2Lr d
Ex.16 Two wires of the same material and radii r
Ex.12 The mass of a 4.0 meter wire is 0.01 kg, and and 2r respectively are welded together end
it is stretched by a force of 400N. What is to end. The combination is used as a
the speed of transverse wave in the wire- sonometer wire and kept under tension T.
(A) 400m/sec (B) 200 m/sec The welded point is midway between the two
(C) 800 m/sec (D) None bridges, when the stationary waves are set
Sol.(A) The speed of transverse wave in a stretched up in the composite wire, the joint is a node.
What is the ratio of the number of loops
string is given by v = ( T / m)
formed in the thinner to thicker wire.
Where T is the tension in the string and m Sol. Let p1 and p2 be the number of loops in the
is the mass per unit length of the string. two wires. They are connected in series.
0.01kg i.e., n1 = n2. Hence
Here T = 400 N and m = 4.0 m
p1  T  p2  T 
   
2l 1  m  = 2l  m  .............(1)
 1 2  2
400  4.0
 v = = 400 m/sec. The joint is midway between the bridges
0.01
Hence l1 = l 2 and m 1 = r 2 d,
m2 =  (2r) d2
Ex.13 A string of linear density 0.03 g/cm vibrates
in three loops to emit a frequency of 600 Hz. m1 1
while it is under a tension of 480 N. Find the  =
m2 4
length of the string -
From equation (A), we have
3 T
Sol. n3 = p1 l1  m1   1
2l M   1
= m  = 1 x   =
p2 l2  2 4 2
3 480
600 = ; l = 1 metre or p1 : p2 = 1 : 2
2l 0.003

Ex.14 A stretched wire 75 cm long emits a 10. EXPERIMENT OF MELDE'S

fundamental frequency of 300 Hz. By how (1) This is experimental show of transverse
much the length is changed so that it emits stationary wave.
a fundamental note of 400 Hz.
(2) Unknown frequency of tuning fork can be
Sol. Using the formula n1l1 = n2l2, we have determined by this experiment.
n1l 1 300  75 225 (3) Laws of transverse vibration in stretched string
l2 = = = = 56.25 cm can be proved by this experiment
n2 400 4
(4) One stretched string is tied to arm of tuning
 l = l 1 – 2 = 75 – 56.25 = 18.75 cm
fork. Now it is vibrated.
 There are two arrangements -

S.No. Transverse arrangement Longitudinal arrangement

1.
Direction of
vibration of particles

2. Oscillation of tuning fork arms is Oscillation of tuning fork arms is

perpendicular to string parallel to string length

3. To complete one oscillation tuning String complete one oscillation in same

fork & string both take same time. time in which tuning fork complete two
It means frequency is same for both Oscillation frequency tuning fork = 2 x
frequency of string
4. If P are number of loops in string then If P are number of loops in string

P T P T
L = P 2 ; n = L = P/2 ; n =
2L m 2L m

P T = constant Frequency of tuning fork :

2P T
n = , P T = constant
2L m
If L, m and frequency remains constant If L, m, and frequency remain constant.

Ex.17 The mathematical form of Meldes law is -

(A) p T = constant (B) pT = constant

P P
(C) = constant (D) = constant
T T
Sol.(A) From Melde's law if I and n are constant
then p T = constant.
 SOLVED EXAMPLES

Ex.1 A transverse harmonic wave on a string is Ex.2 For the trav elling harmonic wav e
described by y = 2.0 cos (10t - 0.0080 x + 0.35 ). Where
y ( x,t) = 3.0 sin ( 36t + 0.018x +  / 4) x and y are in cm and t in sec. What is the
Where x, y are in cm and t in sec. The phase difference between oscillatory motion
positive direction of x is from left to right. at two points separated by a distance of
(i) Is this a travelling or stationary wave ? If (i) 4 m, (ii) 0.5 m, (iii) A/2 , (iv) 3 / 4
is travelling, what are the speed and
direction of propagation ? Sol. The given equation of harmonic waves is ,
(ii) What are its amplitude and frequency ? y = 2.0 cos (10 t – 0.0080 x + 0.35).......(1)
(iii) What is the initial phase at the origin ? The standard equation of harmonic wave is
(iv) W hat is the distance between two
successive crests in the wave ? L F1 x I O
2G J P
M
Sol. The given equation of a transverse harmonic
y = a cos
N HT  K Q .......(2)
wave is , Comparing equations (1) and (2),
y( x, t ) = 3.0 sin( 36t + 0.018 x+  /4).....(1)
2 2
The standard equation for harmonic waves is = 0.0080 or  = cm
 0.0080
F
G2
t
2 x I
 J
2
y ( x, t ) = a sin HT  K .....(2) =
0.0080 x 100
m

Comparing equations (1) and (2) , 2

(i) Equation (1) represents a travelling wave (i) Phase difference = × path difference

2 2 2
Now = 36 and – = 0.018 = × 0.0080 × 100 × 4 = 3.2 rad
T  2
Dividng we get ;
2
 36 36 F
G 1 IJ (ii) Phase difference =

× path difference

T
=
0.018
or , n = –
0.018 H
as  n
T K 2
But n = v = speed of wave = × 0.0080 × 100 × 0.5 = 0.40 rad
2
 v = – 2000 cm/s = – 20 m/s
2
Negative sign indicates that the wave travels (iii) Phase difference = × path difference
from right to left. 
(ii) Amplitude a = 3.0 cm = 3.0 × 10–2 m 2 
= × =  rad
2  2
since = 36 2
T (iv) Phase difference = × phase difference

1 36 36
 n = = = = 5.7 s –1 2 3 3
T 2 2  3.14 = × = rad
 4 2
 Ex.3 A simple harmonic wave-train is travelling in
(iii) Initial phase,   =
4 a gas in the positive direction of the x-axis.
Its amplitude is 2cm, velocity 45metre/sec
2
(iv) Since = 0.018 and frequency 75per sec. Find out the

displacement of the particle of the medium
Hence , distance between two successive at a distance of 135 cm from the origin in the
crests
direction of the wav e at the instant
2 2  3.14 2  314
. –2m
t = 3 second.
== = cm = ×10
0.018 0.018 0.018 (A) 2cm (B) –2cm
= 3.5 m (C) –4cm (D) –1cm
Sol.(B) The equation of a plane progressive wave Ex.5 The equation of plane progressive wave
moving in the + x direction is motion is y = a sin 2/ (vt – x). Velocity of
F
Gt xI particle is-
y = a sin 2 HT   JK, .....(1)
(A) y
dv
(B) v
dy
Where a is the amplitude, T is the time dx dx
period, &  is the wavelength. dv dy
(C) – y (4) – v
Here a = 2m, v = 45m/sec n = 75 sec–1. dx dx
 T = 1/n = 1/75 sec. Sol. (D) Velocity of particle
45
and  = v/n = = 0.6 meter = 60 cm R
S2 U2v
T (vt  x)V
dy
75
Put these values of a, T &  in the above dt
= a cos
W .....(1)

equation (1) Slope of curve,

F
G xI
J, 2R
S U
V R
2 U
WT V
S
75 t  dy
y = 2 sin 2 H 60 K dx
= a cos
T( vt  x)
W .....(2)
where y and x are in cm and t is in second. By equation (1) & (2)
To find out the displacement at a distance dy / dt
135 cm from the origin at the instant = –v
dy / dx
t = 3sec, we substitute t = 3 sec. and
x = 135 cm in the above equation dy dy
 = – v
Therefore y = 2 sin 2 (225 – 2.25) dt dx
y = 2 sin (450 – 4.5)
y = + 2 sin (–4.5) Ex. 6 If equation of transv erse wav e is
F
G I x
H JK
y = – 2sin (+ 4.5 )
y = x0 cos 2 nt   . Maximum velocity
y = – 2 sin(4 + /2)
y = – 2sin /2 = –2cm of particle is twice of wave velocity , if  is-
(A) /2 x 0 (B) 2x 0
Ex. 4 Two particles C and D are executing simple (C) x (D) x 0
harmonic motion with same amplitude a and
F
Gx
Sol.(D) y = x0 cos 2 nt  
IJ
same frequency along same straight line. The
maximum distance between two particles is
H K
a 2 . The initial phase difference between 2
y = x0 cos (vt – x) [ v = n]
the two will be - 
(A) /4 (B) /2 (C)  (D) zero
F
Gdy I
Hdt JK
2
Sol. (B) y1 = a sin 2 nt .....(1) = x0 × v = 2v (given)
max 
y2 = a sin (2nt + ) .....(2)
y = y2 – y 1 .....(3)   = x 0
From equation (1), (2) & (3) Ex.7 A string of mass 2.50 kg is under a tension
y = 2a sin /2 cos [2nt + /2] .....(4) of 200 N. The length of the stretched string
From equation (4) is 20.0 m. If a transverse jerk is struck at
ymax = 2a sin /2 .....(5) one end of the string, how long does the
According to question disturbance take to reach the other end.
Sol. Given that
ymax = a 2 .....(6)
tension is the string, T = 200 N,
From equation (5) & (6) length of the string,  = 20 m, mass of the
a 2 = 2a sin /2 string = 2.50 kg
 (mass/length) of the string,
 sin /2 = 1/ 2
2.50 kg
  = 900 = /2 radian. m = = 0.125 kg m–1
20m
 Speed of transverse waves generated in the Ex.10 A 5 watt source sends out waves in air at
string is frequency 1000 s–1. Deduce the intensity at
a 100 metre distance, assuming spherical
T 200
v = = = 40 ms–1 distribution. If v = 350 ms–1 and  = 1.3. kg/m3,
m 0.125
deduce the displacement amplitude.
Hence , time taken by the disturbance to
Sol. We know that intensity is given by,
reach the other end after travelling a distance
of 20 m Power 5 Watt

dis tan ce 20
 =
Area
= 2
4  100 m2 b g
t = = = 0.5 sec.
velocity 40 = 4 × 10–5 W m –2
Also ,   = 2  v  2 n 2 a 2
Ex.8 Calculate the velocity of transverse waves in
a copper wire 1 mm2 in cross-section, under 
 a2 =
the tension produced by 1 kg wt. The relative 2   2 n2 v
density of copper = 8.93.
Hence , displacement amplitude
Sol. The velocity of transverse waves in the strings
is 1 
a = 2v
T n
v =
m Given that, n = 1000 s–1,  = 4 × 10–5 Wm–2,
Now , T = 1 kg wt = 9.8 N, m = a × 1 ×   = 1.3 kg m–3 and v = 350 ms–1
where a is the cross-sectional area and  is
the density of material of the wire. 7 4  10 5
 a = 22  1000
 = 8.93 x 1000 kg m –3, 2  13
.  350
a = 1 mm 2 = 10 –6 m2 = 6.67 × 10 –8 m.
m = 10–6 × 8.93 × 1000 = 8.93 ×10–3 kg/m
Ex.11 (a) Compute the fundamental frequency of a
T 9.8 sonometer wire of the length 20.0 cm, T = 20 N,
 v = = = 33.12 ms–1 m = 5.2 × 10–3 kg /m.
m 8.93  10 3
(b) A resonance air column resonates with a
turning fork of the frequency 512 Hz at the
Ex.9 A steel wire has a length of 12.0 m and a
length 17.4 cm. Neglecting the end
mass of 2.10 kg. What should be the tension
correction, deduce the speed of the sound in
in the wire so that the speed of a transverse
air. Is your answer unique for the given data.
wave on wire equals the speed of sound in dry
air at 20°C( =343 ms–1). Sol. (a) The f undamental f requency of a
sonometer wire is given by ,
Sol. Given that length of the wire ,  = 12.0 m
mass / length of the wire , 1 T
n =
2 m
2.10 kg
m = = 0.175 kg m–1 Here,  = 20 cm = 0.2 m,
12m
T = 20 N, m = 5.2 × 10–3 kg/m
speed of sound in dry air, at 20°C = 343 ms–1
Let T be tension in the string so that speed 1 20
of transverse wave on wire equals v, Hence Hence, n = = 155 Hz
2  0.2 5.2  10 3

T (b) Speed of sound in air is given by, v = n 4 

v = or T = v2 m
m = 512 × 4 × 0.174 = 356.35 ms–1
or, T = (343)2 × 0.175 = 2.06 × 10 4 N. This answer is unique for the fundamental
mode.
Ex.12 A sitar wire is under a tension of 30 N and Ex.14 The length of a wire between the two ends of
the length between the bridges is 80 cm. A a sonometer is 105cm. Where should the
two bridges be placed so that the
10 metre sample of that wire has a mass of
f undamental f requencies of the three
2.2 gm . Deduce segments are in the ratio of 1 : 3 : 15.
(i) the speed of the transverse waves on the (A) 75cm, 25cm (B) 25cm, 75cm
wire (C) 75cm, 100cm (D) None
(ii) the frequency of the fundamental and Sol.(C) From the law of length of stretched string,
we have n11 = n22 = n2 3
(iii) the frequencies of the first two overtones.
Here n1 : n2 : n3 = 1 : 3 : 15
Sol. Given that :
T = 30 N,  = 80 cm = 0.80 m 1 n2 3 1 n3 15
 = = and = =
2 n1 1 3 n1 1
2.2 2.2  10 3
m = g/m = kg/m
10 10 1 1
= 2.2 × 10 –4 kg/m
2 = and  3 =
3 15
(i) The speed of the transverse waves on the The total length of the wire is 105 cm.
wire is given by Therefore
30 1 + 2 + 3 = 105
T
v = = = 369.27 ms–1
m 2.2  10 4 1 1 21 1
or 1 + + = 105 or = 105
(ii) The frequency of the fundamental tone is 3 15 15
given by, 1050  15
1 = = 75 cm
v 369.27 21
n1 = = = 230.8 s–1 1 75
2l 2  0.80
 2 = = = 25 cm
(iii) The frequency of first overtone 3 3
n2 = 2 n1 = 2 × 230.8 s–1 = 461.6 s–1,  75
3 = 1 = = 5 cm,
The frequency of second overtone 15 15
Hence the bridge should be placed at 75 cm
n3 = 3 n 1 = 3 × 230. 8 s–1 = 692.4 s–1
and (75 + 25) = 100 cm from one end.
Ex.13 In an experiment it was found that the string Ex. 15 A uniform rope of length 12 metre & mass
vibrated in three loops when 8 g were placed 6kg, is swinging vertically from rigid base.
on the scale pan. What mass must be placed From its free end, one 2kg mass is attached.
on the pan to make the same string vibrate At its bottom end one transverse wave is
produced of wavelength 0.06 metre. At upper
in six loops? Neglect the mass of the string
end of rope, wavelength will be-
and the scale pan. (A) 1.2 m (B) 0.12 m
Sol. We know that frequency of vibration of a string (C) 0.12 cm (D) 0.12 mm
vibrating in p loops, is given by Sol.(B) Tension at bottom end of rope = T1 = 2 × 9.8 N
p T  weight of rope acts on gravity centre,
n = Therefore, tension at upper end of rope,
2 m
According to the present problem as , the T2 = (6 + 2) × 9.8 = 8 × 9.8 N
quantities n,  and m are constant, hence Thus, T2 = 4T 1
If v 1 & v 2 are respective velocity at bottom &
T × p2 = constant
T1 T2
or, T1 × p12 = T 2 × p22 upper end, then v 1 = & v2 =
m m
2
T1  p1  v 2 = 2v 1 (T2 = 4T1)
or, T2 = 2
p2 Frequency n does not depend on medium,
Given that p1 = 3, T1 = 8 g, p2 = 6, therefore v  
if 1 & 2 are respective wavelength at bottom
8  32 & upper end or rope.
Hence, T2 = = 2g
62
  2 = 21 = 2 × 0.06 = 0.12 m