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The D-string on a properly tuned guitar produces a tone with a fundamental frequency of 146.8 Hz. The oscillating length of a D-string on a certain guitar is 0.65 m. This same length of string is weighed and found have a mass of 1.4x10-kg. A 25% Part (a) At what tension, in newtons, must the D-string must be stretched in order for it to be properly tuned?

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Final answer:

The tension required for the D-string on a guitar to be properly tuned at a fundamental frequency of 146.8 Hz is approximately 63.97 newtons.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the tension a D-string on a guitar must be under for it to be properly tuned at a fundamental frequency of 146.8 Hz with a length of 0.65 m and a mass of 1.4x10-3 kg, the following equation for the fundamental frequency of a string can be used:

f = (1/2L) * √(T/μ)

Where f is the frequency (146.8 Hz), L is the length of the string (0.65 m), T is the tension, and μ is the mass per unit length (mass/length).

To solve for T, we rearrange the equation to get:

T = (μ * (2Lf)²)

Assuming the given string mass and length corresponds to the linear density μ:

  • Mass (m) = 1.4x10-3 kg
  • Length (L) = 0.65 m

Thus, μ = m/L = 1.4x10-3 kg / 0.65 m = 0.002153846 kg/m

Substituting the values into the tension formula:

T = (0.002153846 kg/m * (2 * 0.65 m * 146.8 Hz)²)

After calculation:

Tension (T) ≈ 63.97 N

The D string must be stretched under a tension of approximately 63.97 newtons to reach the desired pitch.

User Michael Morgan
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