Two guitar strings, S (_1 ) and S (_2 )

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Waves · Waves

Problem

Two guitar strings, S1_1 and S2_2, are made of the same material and are stretched under identical tension so that waves travel along them at the same speed. String S1_1 is 0.65 m0.65\,\text{m} long and vibrates at 300 Hz300\,\text{Hz} in its fourth harmonic. String S2_2 is to be used to play the same 300 Hz300\,\text{Hz} note but will be tuned to a different harmonic of its own. (1) Derive an expression that relates the frequency ff, harmonic number nn, string length LL, and common wave speed vv for either string. (2) Using your expression from part (a), determine the length L2L_{2} that S2_2 must have to sound 300 Hz300\,\text{Hz} in its third harmonic. (3) Suppose S1_1 is next excited at its sixth harmonic. Determine whether S2_2, without retensioning, could simultaneously resonate at one of its own harmonics to produce the same frequency. Justify your answer quantitatively.

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