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AP Physics 2
14.6 Wave Interference and Standing Waves
AdvancedMCQMathematicalProportional AnalysisConceptual13.4k
A horizontal string of length L is fixed between two vertical rigid supports located at the left and right ends. The string forms a standing wave pattern consisting of four identical, evenly spaced loops between the supports, with fixed node points at both ends and three intermediate nodes along the string. A double-headed vertical arrow at the center of each loop indicates the peak-to-peak amplitude of vibration. A horizontal dimension line below the string spans the entire distance between the supports and is labeled with the length L. No other labels, lines, text, or axes appear.
Standing wave with four antinodes on a string of length L.
A string of length \(L\) fixed at both ends is driven by a mechanical vibrator operating at a constant frequency \(f\). Under an initial string tension \(T_1\), a standing wave with four antinodes is established, as shown in the diagram. The tension is then gradually altered to a new value \(T_2\) without changing the frequency \(f\) or length \(L\), causing the string to shift into a standing wave pattern with two antinodes. The wave speed on a string of linear mass density \(\mu\) under tension \(T\) is given by \(v = \sqrt{\dfrac{T}{\mu}}\). What is the ratio \(\dfrac{T_2}{T_1}\) of the new tension to the initial tension?

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