Chapter 16

1. THINK Numerous physical properties of a traveling wave can be deduced from its
wave function.

EXPRESS We first recall that from Eq. 16-10, a general expression for a sinusoidal
wave traveling along the +x direction is

y ( x, t ) = ym sin( kx - w t + f )

where ym is the amplitude, k = 2p / l is the angular wave number, w = 2p / T is the

angular frequency and f is the phase constant. The wave speed is given by v = t m ,
where t is the tension in the string and m is the linear mass density of the string.

ANALYZE (a) The amplitude of the wave is ym= 0.160 mm.

(b) The wave speed is given by v = t m , where t is the tension in the string and m is the
linear mass density of the string, so the wavelength is l = v/f = t m /f and the angular
wave number is
2p m 0.50 kg m
k= = 2 pf = 2 p (100 Hz ) = 141m -1.
l t 10 N

(c) The frequency is f = 100 Hz, so the angular frequency is

w = 2pf = 2p(100 Hz) = 628 rad/s.

(d) We may write the string displacement in the form y = ym sin(kx + wt). The plus sign is
used since the wave is traveling in the negative x direction. In summary, the wave can be
expressed as
( ) ( )
y = ( 0.120 mm ) sin éë 141m -1 x + 628s -1 t ùû .

140
 141

2. The volume of a cylinder of height l is V = pr2 l = pd2 l /4. The strings are long,
narrow cylinders, one of diameter d1 and the other of diameter d2 (and corresponding
linear densities m1 and m2). The mass is the (regular) density multiplied by the volume: m
= rV, so that the mass-per-unit length is
m r pd 2 l 4 pr d 2
m= = =
l l 4

and their ratio is

2
m1 pr d12 4 æ d1 ö
= =ç ÷ .
m2 pr d 22 4 è d 2 ø

Therefore, the ratio of diameters is

d1 m1 3.2
= = = 3.5.
d2 m2 0.26
142 CHAPTER 16

3. THINK A string clamped at both ends can be made to oscillate in standing wave
patterns.

EXPRESS The wave speed is given by v = t m , where t is the tension in the string
and m is the linear mass density of the string. Since the mass density is the mass per unit
length, m = M/L, where M is the mass of the string and L is its length. The possible
wavelengths of a standing wave are given by ln = 2L/n, where L is the length of the string
and n is an integer.

ANALYZE
(a)
tL (96.0 N) (7.50 m)
v= = = 77.5 m/s.
M 0.120 kg

(b) The longest possible wavelength l for a standing wave is related to the length of the
string by L = l/2, so l = 2L = 2(7.50 m) = 15.0 m.

(c) The frequency is f = v/l = (77.5 m/s)/(15.0 m) = 5.17 Hz.

LEARN The resonant frequencies are given by

v v v
fn = = =n = nf1 ,
l 2L / n 2L

where f1 = v/l1 = v/2L. The oscillation mode with n = 1 is called the fundamental mode or
the first harmonic.
 143

4. (a) Comparing with Eq. 16-2, we see that k = 15/m and w = 900 rad/s. Therefore, the
speed of the wave is (see Eq. 16-13) v = w/k = 60 m/s.

(b) From Eq. 16–26, we find

t = m v 2 = (4.17 ´10-3 kg m)(60.0 m/s) 2 = 15 N

144 CHAPTER 16

5. THINK In this problem, in order to produce the standing wave pattern, the two waves
must have the same amplitude, the same angular frequency, and the same angular wave
number, but they travel in opposite directions.

EXPRESS We take them to be

y1 = ym sin(kx – wt), y2 = ym sin(kx + wt).

ANALYZE (a) The amplitude ym is half the maximum displacement of the standing
wave, or 5.0 ´ 10–3 m.

(b) Since the standing wave has three loops, the string is three half-wavelengths long: L =
3l/2, or l = 2L/3. With L = 4.0 m, l = 2.7 m. The angular wave number is

k = 2p/l = 2p/(2.7 m) = 2.4 m–1.

(c) If v is the wave speed, then the frequency is

v 3v 3 (100 m s )
f = = = = 38 Hz.
l 2L 2 ( 4.0 m )

The angular frequency is the same as that of the standing wave, or

w = 2p f = 2p(38 Hz) = 236 rad/s » 2.4 ´102 rad/s.

(d) The two waves are

( ) ( ) ( )
y1 = 5.0 ´ 10-3 m sin éë 2.4 m -1 x - 2.4 ´ 102 s -1 t ùû
and
( ) ( ) ( )
y2 = 5.0 ´10 -3 m sin éë 2.4 m -1 x + 2.4 ´ 102 s -1 t ùû .

Thus, if one of the waves has the form y ( x, t ) = ym sin( kx + w t ) , then the other wave must
have the form y ¢( x, t ) = ym sin( kx - wt ) . The sign in front of w for y '( x, t ) is minus.
 145

6. (a) Let the phase difference be f. Then from Eq. 16-52, 2ym cos(f/2) = 0.852ym, which
gives

æ 0.852 ym ö
f = 2 cos -1 ç ÷ = 130°.
è 2 ym ø

(b) Converting to radians, we have f = 2.26 rad.

(c) In terms of wavelength (the length of each cycle, where each cycle corresponds to 2p
rad), this is equivalent to 2.26 rad/2p = 0.360 wavelength.
146 CHAPTER 16

7. The pulses have the same speed v. Suppose one pulse starts from the left end of the
wire at time t = 0. Its coordinate at time t is x1 = vt. The other pulse starts from the right
end, at x = L, where L is the length of the wire, at time t = 30 ms. If this time is denoted
by t0, then the coordinate of this wave at time t is x2 = L – v(t – t0). They meet when x1 =
x2, or, what is the same, when vt = L – v(t – t0). We solve for the time they meet: t = (L +
vt0)/2v and the coordinate of the meeting point is x = vt = (L + vt0)/2. Now, we calculate
the wave speed:
tL (220 N) (10.0 m)
v= = = 148 m/s.
m 0.100 kg

Here t is the tension in the wire and L/m is the linear mass density of the wire. The
coordinate of the meeting point is
10.0 m + (148 m/s) (30.0 ´10-3 s)
x= = 7.22 m.
2

This is the distance from the left end of the wire. The distance from the right end is L – x
= (10.0 m – 7.22 m ) = 2.78 m.
 147

8. The nth resonant frequency of string A is

v n t
fn, A = A n = ,
2l A 2L m
while for string B it is
v n t 1
fn ,B = B n = = f .
2lB 6L m 3 n,A

(a) Thus, we see f1,A = f3,B. That is, the third harmonic of B matches the frequency of A’s
first harmonic.

(b) Similarly, we find f2,A = f6,B.

3v A 3 t
(c) None of the first eight harmonics of B would match f3, A = = .
2l A 2 L m
148 CHAPTER 16

9. (a) The amplitude of the second wave is ym = 6.00 mm , as stated in the problem.

(b) The figure indicates that l = 40 cm = 0.40 m, which implies that the angular wave
number is k = 2p/(0.40 m) = 16 rad/m.

(c) The figure (along with information in the problem) indicates that the speed of each
wave is v = dx/t = (56.0 cm)/(8.0 ms) = 70 m/s. This, in turn, implies that the angular
frequency is
w = k v =1100 rad/s = 1.1´103 rad/s.

(d) The figure depicts two traveling waves (both going in the –x direction) of equal
amplitude ym. The amplitude of their resultant wave, as shown in the figure, is y¢m = 4.00
mm. Equation 16-52 applies:

y¢m = 2ym cos( 2 f2) Þ f2 = 2 cos-1(2.00/6.00) = 2.5 rad.

1

(e) In making the plus-or-minus sign choice in y = ym sin(k x ± w t + f), we recall the
discussion in section 16-5, where it was shown that sinusoidal waves traveling in the –x
direction are of the form y = ym sin(k x + w t + f). Here, f should be thought of as the
phase difference between the two waves (that is, f1 = 0 for wave 1 and f2 = 2.46 rad for
wave 2).

In summary, the waves have the forms (with SI units understood):

y1 = (0.00600)sin(16 x +1100 t) and y2 = (0.00600)sin(16 x + 1100 t + 2.46 ) .

 149

10. From v = t m , we have

vnew t m 1
= new new = .
vold t old mold 2
150 CHAPTER 16

11. THINK By superposition principle, the resultant wave is the algebraic sum of the two
interfering waves.

EXPRESS The displacement of the string is given by

y = ym sin(kx - wt ) + ym sin(kx - w t + f ) = 2 ym cos ( 12 f ) sin ( kx - w t + 21 f ) ,

where we have used

1 1
sin a + sin b = 2sin (a + b ) cos (a - b ) .
2 2

ANALYZE The two waves are out of phase by f = 0.70p, so the amplitude is

A = 2 ym cos ( 12 f ) = 2 ym cos(0.35p ) = 0.91ym .

LEARN The interference between two waves can be constructive or destructive,

depending on their phase difference.
 151

12. Since the rope is fixed at both ends, then the phrase “second-harmonic standing wave
pattern” describes the oscillation shown in Figure 16-20(b), where (see Eq. 16-65)

v
l = L, f = .
L

(a) Comparing the given function with Eq. 16-60, we obtain k = p/2 and w = 12p rad/s.
Since k = 2p/l, then
2p p
= Þ l = 4.0 m Þ L = 4.0 m.
l 2

(b) Since w = 2pf, then 2 pf = 12p rad/s, which yields

f = 6.0 Hz Þ v = f l = 24 m/s.

(c) Using Eq. 16-26, we have v = t / m = 24 m/s, which leads to

æ 1.39 kg ö
t = mv2 = ç ÷ (24 m/s) = 200 N
2

è 4.0 m ø

(d) With
3v 3(24 m/s)
f = = = 9.0 Hz
2 L 2(4.0 m)
the period is T = 1/f = 0.11 s.
152 CHAPTER 16

13. (a) The motion from maximum displacement to zero is one-fourth of a cycle. One-
fourth of a period is 0.135 s, so the period is T = 4(0.135 s) = 0.540 s.

(b) The frequency is the reciprocal of the period:

1 1
f = = = 1.85Hz.
T 0.540s

(c) A sinusoidal wave travels one wavelength in one period:

l 1.40 m
v= = = 2.59 m s.
T 0.540s
 153

14. From the x = 0 plot (and the requirement of an anti-node at x = 0), we infer a standing
wave function of the form
y ( x, t ) = -(0.04) cos(kx) sin(w t ),

where w = 2p / T = p rad/s , with length in meters and time in seconds. The parameter k is
determined by the existence of the node at x = 0.10 (presumably the first node that one
encounters as one moves from the origin in the positive x direction). This implies k(0.10)
= p/2 so that k = 5p rad/m.

(a) With the parameters determined as discussed above and t = 0.50 s, we find
y (0.20 m, 0.50 s) = -0.04cos(kx) sin(w t ) = 0.040 m .

(b) The above equation yields y (0.30 m, 0.50 s) = -0.04 cos(kx) sin(w t ) = 0 .

(c) We take the derivative with respect to time and

obtain, at t = 0.50 s and x = 0.20 m,
dy
u= = -0.04w cos ( kx ) cos (w t ) = 0 .
dt

(d) The above equation yields u = –0.13 m/s at t = 1.0 s.

(e) The sketch of this function at t = 0.50 s for 0 £ x £

0.40 m is shown at right
154 CHAPTER 16

15. From Eq. 16-10, a general expression for a sinusoidal wave traveling along the +x
direction is
y ( x, t ) = ym sin( kx - w t + f ) .

(a) The figure shows that at x = 0,

y (0, t ) = ym sin( -w t + f ) is a positive
sine function, that is,
y (0, t ) = + ym sin w t. Therefore, the
phase constant must be f = p . At t = 0,
we then have
y ( x, 0) = ym sin(kx + p ) = - ym sin kx

which is a negative sine function. A

plot of y(x, 0) is depicted on the right.

(b) From the figure we see that the amplitude is ym = 4.0 cm.

(c) The angular wave number is given by k = 2p/l = p/9.0 = 0.35 rad/cm.

(d) The angular frequency is w = 2p/T = p/5 = 0.63 rad/s.

(e) As found in part (a), the phase is f = p .

(f) The sign is minus since the wave is traveling in the +x direction.

(g) Since the frequency is f = 1/T = 0.10 s, the speed of the wave is v = fl = 1.8 cm/s.

(h) From the results above, the wave may be expressed as

æ p x pt ö æ p x pt ö
y ( x, t ) = 4.0sin ç - + p ÷ = -4.0sin ç - ÷.
è 9.0 5 ø è 9 5 ø

Taking the derivative of y with respect to t, we find

¶y æpö æ p x pt ö
u ( x, t ) = = 4.0 ç ÷ cos ç - ÷
¶t è5ø è 9.0 5 ø

which yields u(0, 5.0) = –2.5 cm/s.

 155

16. (a) As shown in Figure 16-13(b) in the textbook, the least-amplitude resultant wave is
obtained when the phase difference is p rad.

(b) In this case, the amplitude is (12.0 mm – 5.50 mm) = 6.50 mm.

(c) As shown in Figure 16-13(a) in the textbook, the greatest-amplitude resultant wave is
obtained when the phase difference is 0 rad.

(d) In the part (c) situation, the amplitude is (12.0 mm + 5.50 mm) = 17.5 mm.

(e) Using phasor terminology, the angle “between them” in this case is p/2 rad (90º), so
the Pythagorean theorem applies:

(12.0 mm) 2 + (5.50 mm)2 = 13.2 mm.

156 CHAPTER 16

17. (a) Equation 16-26 gives the speed of the wave:

t 180 N
v= = = 158 m/s » 1.58 ´ 102 m/s.
m 7.20 ´ 10-3 kg/m

(b) From the figure, we find the wavelength of the standing wave to be

l = (2/3)(90.0 cm) = 60.0 cm.

(c) The frequency is
v 1.58 ´ 102 m/s
f = = = 264 Hz.
l 0.600 m
 157

18. (a) We use Eq. 16-26 and Eq. 16-33 with m = 0.00400 kg/m and ym = 0.00300 m.
These give
t 1200 N
v= = = 547.7 m/s
m 4.00 ´ 10 -3 kg/m
and
1 1
Pavg = m vw 2 ym2 = (4.00 ´ 10-3 kg/m)(547.7 m/s)(1200 rad/s)2 (3.0 ´ 10-3 m)2 = 14.2 W
2 2

or about 14 W.

(b) In this situation, the waves are two separate string (no superposition occurs). The
answer is clearly twice that of part (a); P = 28.4 W, or about 28 W.

(c) Now they are on the same string. If they are interfering constructively (as in Fig. 16-
13(a)) then the amplitude ym is doubled, which means its square ym2 increases by a factor
of 4. Thus, the answer now is four times that of part (a); P = 56.8 W, or about 57 W.

(d) Equation 16-52 indicates in this case that the amplitude (for their superposition) is 2
ymcos(0.2p) = 1.618 times the original amplitude ym. Squared, this results in an increase
in the power by a factor of 2.618. Thus, P = 2.618(14.2 W) = 37.2 W in this case.

(e) Now the situation depicted in Fig. 16-13(b) applies, so P = 0.

158 CHAPTER 16

19. (a) The angular frequency is w = 6.00p/2 = 3.00p rad/s, so the frequency is

f = w/2p = (3.00p rad/s)/2p = 1.50 Hz.

(b) The angular wave number is k = 2.00p/2 = 1.00p m–1, so the wavelength is

l = 2p/k = 2p/(1.00p m–1) = 2.00 m.

(c) The wave speed is
v = lf = (2.00 m) (1.50 Hz) = 3.00 m/s.

(d) To add two cosine functions, we first write cos a = sin (a + p/2), then apply

æ pö æ pö æa + b + pö æa + b ö
cos a + cos b = sin ç a + ÷ + sin ç b + ÷ = 2sin ç ÷ cos ç ÷
è 2ø è 2ø è 2 ø è 2 ø
æa + b ö æa -b ö
= 2 cos ç ÷ cos ç ÷.
è 2 ø è 2 ø
Letting a = kx and b = wt, we find

ym cos(kx + w t ) + ym cos(kx - w t ) = 2 ym cos(kx) cos(w t ).

Nodes occur where cos(kx) = 0 or kx = np + p/2, where n is an integer (including zero).

Since k = 1.0p m–1, this means x = ( n + 12 ) (1.00 m) . Thus, the smallest value of x that
corresponds to a node is x = 0.500 m = 50.0 cm (n = 0).

(e) The second smallest value of x that corresponds to a node is x = 1.50 m = 150 cm (n =
1).

(f) The third smallest value of x that corresponds to a node is x = 2.50 m = 250 cm (n =
2).

(g) The displacement is a maximum where cos(kx) = ±1. This means kx = np, where n is
an integer. Thus, x = n(1.00 m). The smallest value of x that corresponds to an anti-node
(maximum) is x = 0 (n = 0).

(h) The second smallest value of x that corresponds to an anti-node (maximum) is

x = 1.00 m = 100 cm (n = 1).

(i) The third smallest value of x that corresponds to an anti-node (maximum) is

x = 2.00 m = 200 cm (n = 2).
 159

20. Use Eq. 16-66 (for the resonant frequencies) and Eq. 16-26 (v = t / m ) to find fn:

nv n t
fn = =
2L 2L m
which gives f3 = (3/2L) t i m .

(a) When tf = 8ti, we get the new frequency

3 tf 3 8t i æ 3 ti ö
f3¢ = = = 8ç = 8 f3 .
2L m 2L m ç 2 L m ÷÷
è ø

v¢ 2 L
(b) And we get the new wavelength l¢3 = = = l3.
f 3¢ 3
160 CHAPTER 16

21. (a) The frequency of the wave is the same for both sections of the wire. The wave
speed and wavelength, however, are both different in different sections. Suppose
there are n1 loops in the aluminum section of the wire. Then,

L1 = n1l1/2 = n1v1/2f,

where l1 is the wavelength and v1 is the wave speed in that section. In this consideration,
we have substituted l1 = v1/f, where f is the frequency. Thus f = n1v1/2L1. A similar
expression holds for the steel section: f = n2v2/2L2. Since the frequency is the same for the
two sections, n1v1/L1 = n2v2/L2. Now the wave speed in the aluminum section is given
by v1 = t / m1 , where m1 is the linear mass density of the aluminum wire. The mass of
aluminum in the wire is given by m1 = r1AL1, where r1 is the mass density (mass per unit
volume) for aluminum and A is the cross-sectional area of the wire. Thus

m1 = r1AL1/L1 = r1A

and v1 = t / r1 A. A similar expression holds for the wave speed in the steel section:
v2 = t / r 2 A. We note that the cross-sectional area and the tension are the same for the
two sections. The equality of the frequencies for the two sections now leads to
n1 / L1 r1 = n2 / L2 r 2 , where A has been canceled from both sides. The ratio of the
integers is
n2 L2 r 2 ( 0.866 m ) 7.80 ´ 10 kg/m
3 3

= = = 2.50.
n1 L1 r1 ( 0.600 m ) 2.60 ´ 103 kg/m3

The smallest integers that have this ratio are n1 = 2 and n2 = 5. The frequency is

f = n1v1 / 2 L1 = ( n1 / 2 L1 ) t / r1 A.

The tension is provided by the hanging block and is t = mg, where m is the mass of the
block. Thus,

n mg 2 (10.0 kg ) ( 9.80 m/s 2 )

f = 1 = = 289 Hz.
2 L1 r1 A 2 ( 0.600 m ) ( 2.60 ´10 kg/m )(1.25 ´10
3 3 -6
m2 )
(b) The standing wave pattern has two loops in the aluminum section and five loops in
the steel section, or seven loops in all. There are eight nodes, counting the end points.
 161

22. (a) The speed of the wave is the distance divided by the required time. Thus,

853 seats
v= = 16.73 seats/s » 17 seats/s .
51s

(b) The width w is equal to the distance the wave has moved during the average time
required by a spectator to stand and then sit. Thus,

w = vt = (16.73 seats/s)(1.8 s) » 30 seats .

162 CHAPTER 16

23 (a) The wave speed is given by v = l/T = w/k, where l is the wavelength, T is the
period, w is the angular frequency (2p/T), and k is the angular wave number (2p/l).
The displacement has the form y = ym sin(kx + wt), so k = 2.0 m–1 and w = 30 rad/s.
Thus
v = (30 rad/s)/(2.0 m–1) = 15 m/s.

(b) Since the wave speed is given by v = t m , where t is the tension in the string and m
is the linear mass density of the string, the tension is
t = m v 2 = (1.9 ´10-4 kg m ) (15 m s ) = 0.043 N.
2
 163

24. The string is flat each time the particle passes through its equilibrium position. A
particle may travel up to its positive amplitude point and back to equilibrium during this
time. This describes half of one complete cycle, so we conclude T = 2(0.20 s) = 0.40 s.
Thus, f = 1/T = 2.5 Hz, and the wavelength is
v 15 cm/s
l= = = 6.0 cm.
f 2.5 Hz
164 CHAPTER 16

25. THINK The difference between any successive pair of the harmonic frequencies is
equal to the fundamental frequency.

EXPRESS The resonant wavelengths are given by ln = 2L/n, where L is the length of the
string and n is an integer, and the resonant frequencies are

fn= v/l = nv/2L = nf1,

where v is the wave speed. Suppose the lower frequency is associated with the integer n.
Then, since there are no resonant frequencies between, the higher frequency is associated
with n + 1. The frequency difference between successive modes is
v
Df = f n+1 - f n = = f1 .
2L

ANALYZE (a) The lowest possible resonant frequency is

f1 = Df = f n+1 - f n = 450 Hz - 308 Hz = 142 Hz .

(b) The longest possible wavelength is l1 = 2L. If f1 is the lowest possible frequency then

v = l1f1 = (2L)f1 = 2(0.75 m)(142 Hz) = 213 m/s.

 165

26. Using Eq. 16-26, we find the wave speed to be

t 90.1´ 106 N
v= = = 5186 m/s.
m 3.35 kg/ m

The corresponding resonant frequencies are

nv n t
fn = = , n = 1, 2,3,K
2 L 2L m

(a) The wavelength of the wave with the lowest (fundamental) resonant frequency f1 is l1
= 2L, where L = 310 m. Thus,
v 5186 m/s
f1 = = = 8.36 Hz.
l1 2(310 m)

(b) The frequency difference between successive modes is

v 5186 m/s
Df = f n - f n -1 = = = 8.36 Hz.
2 L 2(310 m)
166 CHAPTER 16

27. The wave y ( x, t ) = (2.00 mm)[(15.0 m-1 )x - (8.00 s-1 )t ]1/ 2 is of the form
h(kx - w t ) with angular wave number k = 15 m -1 and angular frequency w = 8.00 rad/s .
Thus, the speed of the wave is
v = w / k = (8.00 rad/s)/(15.0 m-1 ) = 0.533 m/s.
 167

28. With the string fixed on both ends, using Eq. 16-66 and Eq. 16-26, the resonant
frequencies can be written as
nv n t n mg
f = = = , n = 1, 2,3,K
2L 2L m 2L m

(a) The mass that allows the oscillator to set up the 4th harmonic ( n = 4 ) on the string is

4 L2 f 2 m 4(1.20 m) 2 (120 Hz)2 (0.00120 kg/m)

m= = = 0.635 kg
n2 g n= 4 (4)2 (9.80 m/s 2 )

(b) If the mass of the block is m = 1.00 kg , the corresponding n is

4 L2 f 2 m 4(1.20 m)2 (120 Hz)2 (0.00120 kg/m)

n= = = 3.19
g 9.80 m/s 2

which is not an integer. Therefore, the mass cannot set up a standing wave on the string.
168 CHAPTER 16

29. (a) The amplitude ym is half of the 6.00 mm vertical range shown in the figure, that is,
ym = 3.0 mm.

(b) The speed of the wave is v = d/t = 20 m/s, where d = 0.060 m and t = 0.0030 s. The
angular wave number is k = 2p/l where l = 0.40 m. Thus,

2p
k= = 16 rad/m .
l

(c) The angular frequency is found from

w = k v = (16 rad/m)(20 m/s) = 3.2×102 rad/s.

(d) We choose the minus sign (between kx and wt) in the argument of the sine function
because the wave is shown traveling to the right (in the +x direction, see Section 16-5).
Therefore, with SI units understood, we obtain

y = ym sin(kx -kvt) » (0.0030) sin(16 x - 2.4 ×10 t) .

2
 169

30. With the string fixed on both ends, using Eq. 16-66 and Eq. 16-26, the resonant
frequencies can be written as
nv n t n mg
f = = = , n = 1, 2,3,K
2L 2L m 2L m

The mass that allows the oscillator to set up the nth harmonic on the string is
4L2 f 2 m
m= .
n2 g

Thus, we see that the block mass is inversely proportional to the harmonic number
squared. Thus, if the 447 gram block corresponds to harmonic number n, then
447 (n + 1)2 n2 + 2n + 1 2n + 1
= 2 = 2 = 1+ .
286.1 n n n2

447
Therefore, 286.1
– 1 = 0.5624 must equal an odd integer (2n + 1) divided by a squared
2
integer (n ). That is, multiplying 0.5624 by a square (such as 1, 4, 9, 16, etc.) should give
us a number very close (within experimental uncertainty) to an odd number (1, 3, 5, …).
Trying this out in succession (starting with multiplication by 1, then by 4, …), we find
that multiplication by 16 gives a value very close to 9; we conclude n = 4 (so n2 = 16 and
2n + 1 = 9). Plugging in m = 0.447 kg, n = 4, and the other values given in the problem,
we find
m = 0.000845 kg/m = 0.845 g/m.
170 CHAPTER 16

31. Using v = fl, we find the length of one cycle of the wave is
l = 320/500 = 0.640 m = 640 mm.

From f = 1/T, we find the time for one cycle of oscillation is T = 1/500 = 2.00 ´ 10–3 s =
2.00 ms.

(a) A cycle is equivalent to 2p radians, so that p/3 rad corresponds to one-sixth of a cycle.
The corresponding length, therefore, is l/6 = 640/6 = 107 mm.

(b) The interval 1.00 ms is half of T and thus corresponds to half of one cycle, or half of
2p rad. Thus, the phase difference is (1/2)2p = p rad.
 171

32. Comparing
y ( x, t ) = (3.00 mm)sin[(3.00 m-1 ) x - (8.00 s-1 )t ]

to the general expression y( x, t ) = ym sin(kx - wt ), we see that k = 3.00 m -1 and

w = 8.00 rad/s . The speed of the wave is
v = w / k = (8.00 rad/s)/(3.00 m-1 ) = 2.67 m/s.
172 CHAPTER 16

2p 2p
33. (a) The angular wave number is k = = = 4.19 m -1.
l 1.50 m

(b) The speed of the wave is

lw (1.50 m )(110 rad s )

v = lf = = = 26.3m s.
2p 2p
 173

34. (a) Using v = t / m = t L / m , we find the length of the string to be

mv 2 (2.00 ´ 10-3 kg)(120 m/s) 2

L= = = 4.11 m.
t 7.00 N

(b) The wavelength of the wave with the lowest resonant frequency f1 is l1 = 2L, where L
= 4.11 m. Thus,
v 120 m/s
f1 = = = 14.6 Hz.
l1 2(4.11 m)
174 CHAPTER 16

35. The harmonics are integer multiples of the fundamental, which implies that the
difference between any successive pair of the harmonic frequencies is equal to the
fundamental frequency. Thus,
f1 = (400 Hz – 310 Hz) = 90 Hz.

This further implies that the next higher resonance above 850 Hz should be (850 Hz + 90
Hz) = 940 Hz.
 175

36. (a) The tension in each string is given by t = Mg/2. Thus, the wave speed in string 1
is

t Mg (800g) (9.80 m/s 2 )

v1 = = = = 36.2 m/s.
m1 2 m1 2(3.00 g/m)

(b) And the wave speed in string 2 is

Mg (800 g) (9.80 m/s 2 )

v2 = = = 28.0 m/s.
2m 2 2(5.00g/m)

(c) Let v1 = M 1 g /(2 m1 ) = v2 = M 2 g /(2m 2 ) and M1 + M2 = M. We solve for M1 and

obtain

M 800 g
M1 = = = 300 g.
1 + m 2 / m1 1 + 5.00 / 3.00

(d) And we solve for the second mass: M2 = M – M1 = (800 g – 300 g) = 500 g.
176 CHAPTER 16

37. THINK We use phasors to add the two waves and calculate the amplitude of the
resultant wave.

EXPRESS The phasor diagram is shown next: y1m and y2m represent the original waves
and ym represents the resultant wave. The phasors corresponding to the two constituent
waves make an angle of 90° with each other, so the triangle is a right triangle.

The Pythagorean theorem gives

ym2 = y12m + y22m = (2.0 cm)2 + (4.0 cm) 2 = (20 cm) 2 .

Thus ym = 4.5 cm.

LEARN When adding two waves, it is convenient to represent each wave with a phasor,
which is a vector whose magnitude is equal to the amplitude of the wave. The same result,
however, could also be obtained as follows: Writing the two waves as y1 = 3sin( kx - wt )
and
y2 = 4 sin( kx - wt + p / 2) = 4 cos(kx - wt ) ,

we have, after a little algebra,

é3 4 ù
y = y1 + y2 = 3sin(kx - wt ) + 4 cos(kx - w t ) = 5 ê sin(kx - wt ) + cos(kx - wt ) ú
ë5 5 û
= 5sin(kx - w t + f )

where f = tan - 1 (4 / 3) . In deducing the phase f, we set cos f = 3 / 5 and sin f = 4 / 5 , and
use the relation cos f sin q + sin f cos q = sin(q + f ) .
 177

38. Setting x = 0 in u = -w ym cos(k x - w t + f) (see Eq. 16-21 or Eq. 16-28) gives

u = -w ym cos(- w t+f)

as the function being plotted in the graph. We note that it has a positive “slope”
(referring to its t-derivative) at t = 0, or
du d
= [ -w ym cos(-wt + f )] = - ymw 2 sin(-wt + f ) > 0
dt dt

at t = 0. This implies that –sinf > 0 and consequently that f is in either the third or fourth
quadrant. The graph shows (at t = 0) u = -12 m/s, and (at some later t) umax = 15 m/s. We
note that umax = ym w. Therefore,
u = - umax cos(- w t + f) |t = 0 Þ f = cos-1( 12 /15 ) = ± 0.6435 rad

(bear in mind that cosq = cos(-q )), and we must choose f = -0.64 rad (since this is
about -37° and is in fourth quadrant). Of course, this answer added to 2np is still a valid
answer (where n is any integer), so that, for example, f = -0.64 + 2p = 5.64 rad is also an
acceptable result.
178 CHAPTER 16

39. (a) Using the phasor technique, we think of these as two “vectors” (the first of
“length” 4.0 mm and the second of “length” 6.20 mm) separated by an angle of f = 0.60p
radians (or 108º). Standard techniques for adding vectors then lead to a resultant vector
of length 6.25 mm.

(b) The angle (relative to the first vector) is equal to 70.54º (or 1.23 rad).

(c) Clearly, it should in “in phase” with the result we just calculated, so its phase angle
relative to the first phasor should be also 70.54º (or 1.23 rad).
 179

40. The nodes are located from vanishing of the spatial factor sin 4px = 0 for which the
solutions are
1 2 3
4p x = 0, p , 2p ,3p ,K Þ x = 0, , , ,L
4 4 4

(a) The smallest value of x that corresponds to a node is x = 0.

(b) The second smallest value of x that corresponds to a node is x = 0.25 m.

(c) The third smallest value of x that corresponds to a node is x = 0.50 m.

(d) Every point (except at a node) is in simple harmonic motion of frequency f = w/2p =
40p/2p = 20 Hz. Therefore, the period of oscillation is T = 1/f = 0.050 s = 50 ms.

(e) Comparing the given function with Eq. 16-58 through Eq. 16-60, we obtain

y1 = 0.020 sin(4p x - 40p t ) and y2 = 0.020 sin(4p x + 40p t )

for the two traveling waves. Thus, we infer from these that the speed is v = w/k = 40p/4p
= 10 m/s.

(f) And we see the amplitude is ym = 0.020 m = 2.0 cm.

(g) The derivative of the given function with respect to time is

¶y
u= = -(0.040)(40p) sin(4p x) sin(40p t )
¶t

which vanishes (for all x) at times such as sin(40pt) = 0. Thus,

1 2 3
40pt = 0, p, 2 p,3p,K Þ t = 0, , , ,L
40 40 40

Thus, the first time in which all points on the string have zero transverse velocity is when
t = 0 s.

(h) The second time in which all points on the string have zero transverse velocity is
when t = 1/40 s = 0.025 s = 25 ms.

(i) The third time in which all points on the string have zero transverse velocity is when t
= 2/40 s = 0.050 s = 50 ms.
180 CHAPTER 16

41. We note from the graph (and from the fact that we are dealing with a cosine-squared,
1
see Eq. 16-30) that the wave frequency is f = 2 ms = 500 Hz, and that the wavelength l =
0.20 m. We also note from the graph that the maximum value of dK/dt is 10 W. Setting
this equal to the maximum value of Eq. 16-29 (where we just set that cosine term equal to
1) we find

1
2
m v w2 ym2 = 10 W.

Substituting in m = 0.0050 kg/m, w = 2pf and v = f l , we solve for the wave amplitude:

10 W 10 W
ym = =
2p ml f
2 3
2p (0.0050 kg/m)(0.20 m)(500 Hz)3
2

= 0.0020 m = 2.00 mm
 181

42. (a) The amplitude is ym = 3.0 cm.

(b) We find l from 2p/l = 0.020p: l = 1.0×102 cm.

(c) Solving 2pf = w = 4.0p, we obtain f = 2.0 Hz.

(d) The wave speed is v = lf = (100 cm) (2.0 Hz) = 2.0×102 cm/s.

(e) The wave propagates in the +x direction, since the argument of the trig function is
kx – wt.

(f) The maximum transverse speed (found from the time derivative of y) is

( )
umax = 2p fym = 4.0 p s-1 ( 3.0 cm ) = 38cm s.

(g) y(3.5 cm, 0.26 s) = (3.0 cm) sin[0.020p(3.5) – 4.0p(0.26)] = –0.28 cm.
182 CHAPTER 16

43. THINK The speed of a transverse wave in a rope is related to the tension in the rope
and the linear mass density of the rope.

EXPRESS The wave speed v is given by v = t m , where t is the tension in the rope
and m is the rope’s linear mass density, which is defined as the mass per unit length of
rope m = m/L.

ANALYZE
m = m/L = (0.0600 kg)/(1.75 m) = 0.0343 kg/m.

Thus,
500 N
v= = 121m s.
0.0343 kg m

LEARN Since v : 1/ m , the thicker the rope (larger m), the slower the speed of the
rope under the same tension t.
 183

44. With length in centimeters and time in seconds, we have

du
u= = (225p cm/s) sin (px - 15pt) .
dt

Squaring this and adding it to the square of 15py, we have

u2 + (15py)2 = (225p cm/s )2 [sin2 (px - 15p t) + cos2 (px - 15p t)]

so that
u = (225p )2 - (15p y)2 = 15p 152 - y 2 .

Therefore, when y = 6.00 cm, u must be ± 206.2p cm/s. Consequently, the speed there is
648 cm/s = 6.48 m/s.
184 CHAPTER 16

45. THINK A string clamped at both ends can be made to oscillate in standing wave
patterns.

EXPRESS Possible wavelengths are given by l = 2L/n, where L is the length of the wire
and n is an integer. The corresponding frequencies are given by f = v/l = nv/2L, where v
is the wave speed. The wave speed is given by v = t m = t L / M , where t is the
tension in the wire, m is the linear mass density of the wire, and M is the mass of the wire.
m = M/L was used to obtain the last form. Thus

n tL n t n 275 N
fn = = = = n (8.29 Hz).
2L M 2 LM 2 (10.0 m) (0.100 kg)

ANALYZE (a) The lowest frequency is f1 = 8.29 Hz.

(b) The second lowest frequency is f 2 = 2(8.29 Hz) = 16.6 Hz.

(c) The third lowest frequency is f3 = 3(8.29 Hz) = 24.9 Hz.

LEARN The frequencies are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency f1. This
means that the difference between any successive pair of the harmonic frequencies is
equal to the fundamental frequency f1.
 185

46. The distance d between the beetle and the scorpion is related to the transverse speed
vt and longitudinal speed vl as
d = vt tt = vltl

where tt and tl are the arrival times of the wave in the transverse and longitudinal
directions, respectively. With vt = 50 m/s , vl = 150 m/s , and d = 37.5 cm = 0.375 m, we
have

d 0.375 m/s
tt = = = 0.0075 s = 7.5 ms
vt 50 m/s
d 0.375 m/s
tl = = = 0.0025 s = 2.5 ms
vl 150 m/s

Thus, the time difference is Dt = tt - tl = 5.0 ´10-3 s = 5.0 ms.

186 CHAPTER 16

47. The phasor diagram is shown to the right. We use the cosine
theorem:
ym2 = ym2 1 + ym2 2 - 2 ym1 ym 2 cos q = ym2 1 + ym2 2 + 2 ym1 ym 2 cos f.

We solve for cos f :

y 2 - ym2 1 - ym2 2 (10.0 mm) 2 - (5.0 mm) 2 - (7.0 mm) 2
cos f = m = = 0.37.
2 ym1 ym 2 2(5.0 mm) (7.0 mm)

The phase constant is therefore f = 1.19 rads, or 68°.

 187

48. (a) The general expression for y (x, t) for the wave is y (x, t) = ym sin(kx – wt), which,
at x = 10 cm, becomes y (x =10 cm, t) = ym sin[k(10 cm – wt)]. Comparing this with the
expression given, we find w = 4.0 rad/s, or f = w/2p = 0.64 Hz.

(b) Since k(10 cm) = 5.0, the wave number is k = 0.50/cm. Consequently, the wavelength
is l = 2p/k = 13 cm.

(c) The amplitude is ym = 4.0 cm.

(d) In part (b), we have shown that the angular wave number is k = 0.50/cm.

(e) The angular frequency is w = 4.0 rad/s.

(f) The sign is minus since the wave is traveling in the –x direction.

Summarizing the results obtained above by substituting the values of k and w into the
general expression for y (x, t), with centimeters and seconds understood, we obtain

y ( x, t ) = (4.0 cm) sin (0.50 x - 4.0t ).

(g) Since v = w /k = t / m , the tension is

w 2m (4.0 g / cm) (4.0 s -1 )2

t= = -1 2
= 256 g × cm/s 2 » 2.6 ´ 10-3 N.
k2 (0.50 cm )
188 CHAPTER 16

49. Recalling the discussion in section 16-12, we observe that this problem presents us
with a standing wave condition with amplitude 12 mm. The angular wave number and
frequency are noted by comparing the given waves with the form y = ym sin(k x ± w t).
The anti-node moves through 12 mm in simple harmonic motion, just as a mass on a
vertical spring would move from its upper turning point to its lower turning point, which
occurs during a half-period. Since the period T is related to the angular frequency by Eq.
15-5, we have
2p 2p
T= = = 6.67 ´ 10-3 s.
w 300p

Thus, in a time of t = 12 T = 3.33 ´ 10-3 s , the wave moves a distance Dx = vt where the
speed of the wave is v = w / k = (300p s -1 ) /(12p m -1 ) = 25.0 m/s. Therefore,

Dx = (25.0 m/s)( 3.33 ´ 10-3 s ) = 0.0833 m = 8.33 cm.

 189

50. We see that y1 and y3 cancel because they are 180º out of phase, and y2 cancels with y4
because their phase difference is also equal to p rad (180º). There is no resultant wave in
this case.
190 CHAPTER 16

51. Let y1 = 2.0 mm (corresponding to time t1) and y2 = –2.0 mm (corresponding to time
t2). Then we find

kx + 600t1 + f = sin-1(2.0/5.0)
and

kx + 600t2 + f = sin-1(–2.0/5.0) .

Subtracting equations gives

600(t1 – t2) = sin-1(2.0/5.0) – sin-1(–2.0/5.0).

Thus we find t1 – t2 = 0.0014 s (or 1.4 ms).

 191

52. Using Eq. 16–33 for the average power and Eq. 16–26 for the speed of the wave, we
solve for f = w/2p:

1 2 Pavg 1 2 Pavg 1 2(170 W)

f = = =
2p ym m t /m 2p ym tm 2p (7.70 ´ 10-3 m) (36.0 N) (0.130 kg / 2.70 m )
= 332 Hz.
192 CHAPTER 16

53. (a) The wave speed at any point on the rope is given by v = t m , where t is the
tension at that point and m is the linear mass density. Because the rope is hanging the
tension varies from point to point. Consider a point on the rope a distance y from the
bottom end. The forces acting on it are the weight of the rope below it, pulling down, and
the tension, pulling up. Since the rope is in equilibrium, these forces balance. The weight
of the rope below is given by mgy, so the tension is t = mgy. The wave speed is

v = m gy / m = gy.

(b) The time dt for the wave to move past a length dy, a distance y from the bottom end,
is dt = dy v = dy gy and the total time for the wave to move the entire length of the
rope is
L
L dy y L
t=ò =2 =2 .
0 gy g 0
g
 193

54. We use v = t / m µ t to obtain

2 2
æv ö æ 223m/s ö
t 2 = t 1 ç 2 ÷ = ( 200 N ) ç ÷ = 752 N.
è v1 ø è 115m/s ø
194 CHAPTER 16

55. THINK Various properties of the sinusoidal wave can be deduced from the plot of its
displacement as a function of position.

EXPRESS In analyzing the properties of the wave, we first recall that from Eq. 16-10, a
general expression for a sinusoidal wave traveling along the +x direction is

y ( x, t ) = ym sin(kx - w t + f )

where ym is the amplitude, k = 2p / l is the angular wave number, w = 2p / T is the

angular frequency and f is the phase constant. The wave speed is given by v = t m ,
where t is the tension in the string and m is the linear mass density of the string.

ANALYZE (a)We read the amplitude from the graph. It is about 5.0 cm.

(b) We read the wavelength from the graph. The curve crosses y = 0 at about x = 15 cm
and again with the same slope at about x = 55 cm, so

l = (55 cm – 15 cm) = 40 cm = 0.40 m.

(c) The wave speed is v = t / m , where t is the tension in the string and m is the linear
mass density of the string. Thus,
3.6 N
v= = 11.3 m/s.
28 ´ 10-3 kg/m

(d) The frequency is f = v/l = (11.3 m/s)/(0.40 m) = 28.3 Hz and the period is

T = 1/f = 1/(28.3 Hz) = 0.035 s.

(e) The maximum string speed is

um = wym = 2pfym = 2p(28.3 Hz) (5.0 cm) = 889 cm/s » 8.9 m/s.

(f) The angular wave number is k = 2p/l = 2p/(0.40 m) = 16 m–1.

(g) The angular frequency is w = 2pf = 2p(28.3 Hz) = 1.8×102 rad/s.

(h) According to the graph, the displacement at x = 0 and t = 0 is 4.0 ´ 10–2 m. The
formula for the displacement gives y(0, 0) = ym sin f. We wish to select f so that

5.0 ´ 10–2 sin f = 4.0 ´ 10–2.

The solution is either 0.93 rad or 2.21 rad. In the first case the function has a positive
slope at x = 0 and matches the graph. In the second case it has negative slope and does
not match the graph. We select f = 0.93 rad.
 195

(i) The string displacement has the form y (x, t) = ym sin(kx + wt + f). A plus sign appears
in the argument of the trigonometric function because the wave is moving in the negative
x direction. Using the results obtained above, the expression for the displacement is

( )
y ( x, t ) = 5.0 ´10-2 m sin éë(16 m -1 ) x + (1.8 ´102 s -1 )t + 0.93ùû .
196 CHAPTER 16

56. The wave y( x, t ) = (4.00 mm) h[(22.0 m-1 )x + (8.00 s -1 )t ] is of the form
h(kx - w t ) with angular wave number k = 22 m -1 and angular frequency w = 8.00 rad/s .
Thus, the speed of the wave is
v = w / k = (8.00 rad/s)/(22.0 m-1 ) = 0.364 m/s.
 197

57. (a) From the simple harmonic motion relation um = ymw, we have

16
w= = 400 rad/s.
0.040
Since w = 2pf, we obtain f = 64 Hz.

(b) Using v = fl, we find l = 70/64 = 1.1 m.

(c) The amplitude of the transverse displacement is ym = 4.0 cm = 4.0 ´10 -2 m.

(d) The wave number is k = 2p/l = 5.7 rad/m.

(e) The angular frequency, as obtained in part (a), is w = 16 / 0.040 = 4.0 ´ 102 rad/s.

(f) The function describing the wave can be written as

y = 0.040 sin ( 5.7 x - 400t + f )

where distances are in meters and time is in seconds. We adjust the phase constant f to
satisfy the condition y = 0.040 at x = t = 0. Therefore, sin f = 1, for which the “simplest”
root is f = p/2. Consequently, the answer is

æ pö
y = 0.040sin ç 5.7 x - 400t + ÷ .
è 2ø
(g) The sign in front of w is minus.
198 CHAPTER 16

58. The slope that they are plotting is the physical slope of the sinusoidal waveshape (not
to be confused with the more abstract “slope” of its time development; the physical slope
is an x-derivative, whereas the more abstract “slope” would be the t-derivative). Thus,
where the figure shows a maximum slope equal to 0.2 (with no unit), it refers to the
maximum of the following function:
dy d
= [ ymsin(kx - wt )] = ym k cos(kx - wt ) .
dx dx

The problem additionally gives t = 0, which we can substitute into the above expression
if desired. In any case, the maximum of the above expression is ym k, where

2p 2p
k= = = 10p rad/m .
l 0.20 m

Therefore, setting ym k equal to 0.20 allows us to solve for the amplitude ym. We find

0.20
ym = = 0.00637 m » 6.4 mm .
10p rad/m
 199

59. (a) The amplitude of each of the traveling waves is half the maximum displacement
of the string when the standing wave is present, or 0.40 cm.

(b) Each traveling wave has an angular frequency of w = 40p rad/s and an angular wave
number of k = p/3 cm–1. The wave speed is

v = w/k = (40p rad/s)/(p/3 cm–1) = 1.2×102 cm/s.

(c) The distance between nodes is half a wavelength: d = l/2 = p/k = p/(p/3 cm–1) = 3.0
cm. Here 2p/k was substituted for l.

(d) The string speed is given by

u(x, t) = ¶y/¶t = –wymsin(kx)sin( wt).

For the given coordinate and time,

u = -(40p rad/s) (0.80cm) sin éë (p / 3 cm -1 )(2.1cm) ùû sin éë (40p s -1 )(0.50 s) ùû = 0.

200 CHAPTER 16

60. Reference to point A as an anti-node suggests that this is a standing wave pattern and
thus that the waves are traveling in opposite directions. Thus, we expect one of them to
be of the form y = ym sin(kx + wt) and the other to be of the form y = ym sin(kx – wt).

1
(a) Using the fact that the amplitude of the standing wave is 2
(1.20 cm) = 0.60 cm = 6.0
mm,
1
with Eq. 16-60, we conclude that ym = 2 (6.0 mm) = 3.0 mm.

(b) Since one full cycle of the wave (one wavelength) is 60 cm, k = 2p/l = 10.47 m-1 »
10 m-1.

(c) The problem tells us that the time of half a full period of motion is 6.0 ms, so T = 12
ms and Eq. 16-5 gives w = 5.2 ´ 102 rad/s.

(d) The two waves are therefore

y1(x, t) = (3.0 mm) sin[(10 m-1)x + (520 s-1)t]

and
y2(x, t) = (3.0 mm) sin[(10 m-1)x – (520 s-1)t] .

If one wave has the form y( x, t ) = ym sin(kx + w t ) as in y1, then the other wave must be of
the form y¢( x, t ) = ym sin(kx - wt ) as in y2. Therefore, the sign in front of w is minus.