Question

A string is strung horizontally with a fixed tension. A wave of frequency 100 Hz is sent along the string, and it has a wave speed of 50.0 m/s. Then a second wave, of frequency 200 Hz, is sent along the string. What is the wave speed of the second wave?

1) 25.0 m/s
2) 50.0 m/s
3) 70.7 m/s
4) 100 m/s
5) 125 m/s

Answer 1

The wave speed of the second wave with a frequency of 200 Hz on a string under fixed tension is the same as the first wave's speed, 50.0 m/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speed of a wave on a string under fixed tension is not dependent on the frequency of the wave. When a wave of frequency 100 Hz with a wave speed of 50.0 m/s is sent along the string, and then a second wave of frequency 200 Hz is sent along the same string, the speed of the second wave remains unchanged because both waves are under the same tension and have the same string mass density. Therefore, the wave speed of the second wave is also 50.0 m/s.