Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsWave Motion and Waves on a String
A heavy string is fastened at one end to a movable support and at the other end to a light thread, as shown in the figure. The light thread passes over a fixed pulley, suspending a weight that creates tension. The lowest resonant frequency of the heavy string is 120 Hz . The movable support is then pushed 10 cm to the right, causing the joint to rest on the pulley. Determine the new minimum frequency at which the hea
Options
- A60 Hz
- B120 Hz
- C480 Hz
- D240 Hz
Correct answer
D. 240 Hz
Step-by-step solution
Initially, the heavy string is fixed at the movable support and attached to a light thread at the other end. Since the light thread has negligible mass, it cannot support a transverse force. Therefore, the joint acts as a free end (an antinode) for the transverse waves in the heavy string. For a string of length L fixed at one end and free at the other, the lowest resonant (fundamental) frequency is given by: f₁ = v 4L = 120 Hz When the movable support is pushed 10 cm to the right, the entire heavy string shifts by