Which curve best illustrates the variation of wave velocity with linear density in a vibrating string?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
E) 5

Question

Which curve best illustrates the variation of wave velocity with linear density in a vibrating string?
A) 1 
B) 2 
C) 3 
D) 4 
E) 5

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The velocity of wave on a string is given by the equation v = sqrt(T/μ), where T is the tension in the string and μ is the linear density (mass per unit length) of the string. As linear density increases, the wave velocity should decrease, since the string is becoming more massive and therefore more sluggish in its response to the applied tension. Therefore, the curve that starts high and decreases steadily as linear density increases (option C) is the best choice for illustrating the variation of wave velocity with linear density.

Which Curve Best Illustrates the Variation of Wave Velocity with Linear