Question

15.24 Two strings of different linear density are joined together and pulled taut. a sinusoidal wave on the string is traveling to the right, as shown in figure 15.24. When the eave goes across the boundary from string 1 to string 2, the frequency is unchanged, what happens to the velocity?

A velocity increases
B velocity stays the same
C velocity decreases

Answer 1

The velocity of a wave on a string will increase if it moves from a string of higher linear density to one of lower linear density, provided that tension remains constant and frequency is unchanged.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a sinusoidal wave travels across the boundary from a string of one linear density to a string of a different linear density, with the frequency remaining unchanged, the velocity of the wave will change. The wave speed on a string depends on both the tension in the string and its linear mass density. If both strings are under the same tension but have different linear mass densities, the wave speed will be higher in the string with the lower linear mass density. Consequently, if the sinusoidal wave is moving from a string with a higher linear density to a string with a lower linear density, option A - velocity increases is correct.