Question

A stretched string is observed to vibrate in three equal segments when driven by a 480-Hz oscillator. What is the fundamental frequency of vibration for this string

Answer 1

160 Hz

Step-by-step explanation:

Fundamental frequency,
`f_(0)`, is the lowest frequency that can be obtained from the stretched string. While higher frequencies are termed harmonics or overtones.

Since the string has three equal segments, the frequency generated,
`f_(2)`, is the second harmonic but third overtone.

From the relationship between
`f_(0)` and
`f_(2)`, we have;

`f_(2)` = 3
`f_(0)`

⇒ 480 = 3
`f_(0)`

`f_(0)` = 160

The fundamental frequency of vibration for the string is 160 Hz.