Physics Waves ETEA 2022
PMDC Verified Question 83 of 125
The speed of a wave on a particular string is 24 ms\(^{-1}\). If the string is 6.0 m long, to what driving frequencies will it resonate?
A
1 Hz, 2 Hz, 3 Hz
B
2 Hz, 4 Hz, 6 Hz
C
3 Hz, 6 Hz, 9 Hz
D
5 Hz, 10 Hz, 15 Hz
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: 2 Hz, 4 Hz, 6 Hz
Concept:

A string fixed at both ends forms stationary waves. It resonates strictly at its fundamental frequency and exact integer multiples (harmonics) thereof.

Formula:

$$ f_n = n \left( \frac{v}{2L} \right) $$

Solution:

  • First, calculate the fundamental frequency (first harmonic, \( n = 1 \)).


  • Given: Velocity \( v = 24 \text{ m/s} \), Length \( L = 6.0 \text{ m} \).


  • \( f_1 = \frac{24}{2 \times 6} = \frac{24}{12} = 2 \text{ Hz} \).


  • The string will only resonate at whole integer multiples of this fundamental base frequency (\( n=1, 2, 3... \)).


  • Harmonics: \( 1 \times 2 = 2 \text{ Hz} \), \( 2 \times 2 = 4 \text{ Hz} \), \( 3 \times 2 = 6 \text{ Hz} \), and so on.


  • The set 2 Hz, 4 Hz, 6 Hz perfectly matches this sequence.


Why other options are incorrect:

Option A describes harmonics of a 1 Hz fundamental. Option C describes harmonics of a 3 Hz fundamental. Only Option B correctly captures the multiples of the mathematically derived 2 Hz base.

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