A student sends transverse waves along a stretched string under constant tension
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Waves · Waves
Problem
A student sends transverse waves along a stretched string under constant tension. With an initial amplitude of 1 cm, the measured wave speed is 12 m/s. The student then increases the wave amplitude to 5 cm without changing any other conditions, yet the speed remains 12 m/s. Which of the following statements best explains why the speed is unchanged?
(a) Wave speed on a string is directly proportional to the wave’s frequency, which did not change when the amplitude increased.
(b) Wave speed on this string is a fixed 12m/s for any disturbance, so changing amplitude cannot alter it.
(c) Wave speed on a string depends only on the string’s tension and linear mass density, neither of which changed.
(d) The larger amplitude simultaneously increases the string’s tension and the mass set into motion, and these effects cancel so the speed remains the same.