Speed of a Transverse Wave on Stretched String – Class 11 | Chapter – 15 | Physics Short Notes Series PDF for NEET & JEE

Speed of a Transverse Wave on Stretched String: The speed of a transverse wave on a stretched string depends on several factors, including the tension in the string, the mass per unit length of the string (linear density), and the restoring force provided by the stretching of the string. The speed of the wave is given by the following equation:

v = (T / μ)1/2

where v is the speed of the wave, T is the tension in the string, and μ is the linear density of the string.

The tension in the string provides the restoring force that causes the wave to propagate, while the linear density of the string determines the amount of mass that is available to move and participate in the wave. The speed of the wave is proportional to the square root of the tension divided by the linear density, so increasing the tension or decreasing the linear density will result in a faster wave speed.

In conclusion, the speed of a transverse wave on a stretched string is determined by the tension in the string, the linear density of the string, and the restoring force provided by the stretching of the string. The wave speed is proportional to the square root of the tension divided by the linear density, and it can be calculated using the equation v = (T / μ)1/2.

Properties of Speed of a Transverse Wave on Stretched String

The speed of a transverse wave on a stretched string has several important properties:

  • It depends on the tension in the string: The speed of the wave is directly proportional to the tension in the string. If the tension is increased, the speed of the wave will also increase. Conversely, if the tension is decreased, the speed of the wave will decrease.
  • It depends on the linear density of the string: The speed of the wave is inversely proportional to the square root of the linear density of the string. If the linear density is increased, the speed of the wave will decrease, and vice versa.
  • It is independent of the amplitude and frequency of the wave: The speed of the wave remains constant regardless of how large or small the wave is, or how fast or slow it is oscillating.
  • It is independent of the shape and size of the string: The speed of the wave is determined solely by the tension and linear density of the string, and is not affected by the shape or size of the string.
  • It is the maximum speed at which information can be transmitted through the string: Since the speed of the wave represents the speed at which energy is transmitted through the string, it is also the maximum speed at which information can be transmitted through the string. Any attempt to transmit information faster than this speed will result in distortion or loss of the signal.

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By Team Learning Mantras