Consider the waves on a vibrating guitar string and the sound waves the guitar produces in the surrounding air.The string waves and the sound waves must have the same
A) wavelength.
B) velocity.
C) frequency.
D) amplitude.
E) More than one of the above is true.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The frequency of the string waves and the sound waves must be same in order to produce a coherent sound. The wavelength can be different, as the wavelength of the sound wave is determined by the speed of sound in air and the frequency, whereas the wavelength of the string wave is determined by the length, tension, and mass of the string. The velocity can also be different, as the speed of the string wave depends on the tension and mass per unit length of the string, whereas the speed of sound depends on the temperature, pressure, and humidity of the air. The amplitude can also be different, as the amplitude of the string wave determines the volume of the sound produced, but the amplitude of the sound wave depends on the amount of energy transferred by the vibrating string to the air molecules. Therefore, only the frequency of the string waves and the sound waves must be same in order to produce a coherent sound.

Consider the Waves on a Vibrating Guitar String and the Sound