18

Superposition and Standing Waves

CHAPTER OUTLINE ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

18.1 Superposition and
Interference Q18.1 No. Waves with other waveforms are also trains of disturbance
18.2 Standing Waves
that add together when waves from different sources move
18.3 Standing Waves in a String
Fixed at Both Ends through the same medium at the same time.
18.4 Resonance
18.5 Standing Waves in Air Q18.2 The energy has not disappeared, but is still carried by the wave
Columns
pulses. Each particle of the string still has kinetic energy. This is
18.6 Standing Waves in Rod and
Plates similar to the motion of a simple pendulum. The pendulum
18.7 Beats: Interference in Time does not stop at its equilibrium position during
18.8 Non-Sinusoidal Wave oscillationlikewise the particles of the string do not stop at
Patterns
the equilibrium position of the string when these two waves
superimpose.

Q18.3 No. A wave is not a solid object, but a chain of disturbance. As

described by the principle of superposition, the waves move
through each other.

Q18.4 They can, wherever the two waves are nearly enough in phase that their displacements will add to
create a total displacement greater than the amplitude of either of the two original waves.
When two one-dimensional sinusoidal waves of the same amplitude interfere, this
condition is satisfied whenever the absolute value of the phase difference between the two waves is
less than 120.

Q18.5 When the two tubes together are not an efficient transmitter of sound from source to receiver, they
are an efficient reflector. The incoming sound is reflected back to the source. The waves reflected by
the two tubes separately at the junction interfere constructively.

Q18.6 No. The total energy of the pair of waves remains the same. Energy missing from zones of
destructive interference appears in zones of constructive interference.

Q18.7 Each of these standing wave patterns is made of two superimposed waves of identical frequencies
traveling, and hence transferring energy, in opposite directions. Since the energy transfer of the
waves are equal, then no net transfer of energy occurs.

Q18.8 Damping, and nonlinear effects in the vibration turn the energy of vibration into internal energy.

Q18.9 The air in the shower stall can vibrate in standing wave patterns to intensify those frequencies in
your voice which correspond to its free vibrations. The hard walls of the bathroom reflect sound
very well to make your voice more intense at all frequencies, giving the room a longer reverberation
time. The reverberant sound may help you to stay on key.

523
524 Superposition and Standing Waves

Q18.10 The trombone slide and trumpet valves change the length of the air column inside the instrument,
to change its resonant frequencies.

Q18.11 The vibration of the air must have zero amplitude at the closed end. For air in a pipe closed at one
end, the diagrams show how resonance vibrations have NA distances that are odd integer
submultiples of the NA distance in the fundamental vibration. If the pipe is open, resonance
vibrations have NA distances that are all integer submultiples of the NA distance in the
fundamental.

FIG. Q18.11

Q18.12 What is needed is a tuning forkor other pure-tone generatorof the desired frequency. Strike the
tuning fork and pluck the corresponding string on the piano at the same time. If they are precisely
in tune, you will hear a single pitch with no amplitude modulation. If the two pitches are a bit off,
you will hear beats. As they vibrate, retune the piano string until the beat frequency goes to zero.

Q18.13 Air blowing fast by a rim of the pipe creates a shshshsh sound called edgetone noise, a mixture of
all frequencies, as the air turbulently switches between flowing on one side of the edge and the
other. The air column inside the pipe finds one or more of its resonance frequencies in the noise. The
air column starts vibrating with large amplitude in a standing wave vibration mode. It radiates
sound into the surrounding air (and also locks the flapping airstream at the edge to its own
frequency, making the noise disappear after just a few cycles).

Q18.14 A typical standingwave vibration possibility for a bell is similar to that for the glass shown in
Figure 18.17. Here six node-to-node distances fit around the circumference of the rim. The
circumference is equal to three times the wavelength of the transverse wave of in-and-out bending
of the material. In other states the circumference is two, four, five, or higher integers times the
wavelengths of the higherfrequency vibrations. (The circumference being equal to the wavelength
would describe the bell moving from side to side without bending, which it can do without
producing any sound.) A tuned bell is cast and shaped so that some of these vibrations will have
their frequencies constitute higher harmonics of a musical note, the strike tone. This tuning is lost if
a crack develops in the bell. The sides of the crack vibrate as antinodes. Energy of vibration may be
rapidly converted into internal energy at the end of the crack, so the bell may not ring for so long a
time.

Q18.15 The bow string is pulled away from equilibrium and released, similar to the way that a guitar string
is pulled and released when it is plucked. Thus, standing waves will be excited in the bow string. If
the arrow leaves from the exact center of the string, then a series of odd harmonics will be excited.
Even harmonies will not be excited because they have a node at the point where the string exhibits
its maximum displacement.
 Chapter 18 525
Q18.16 Walking makes the persons hand vibrate a little. If the frequency of this motion is equal to the
natural frequency of coffee sloshing from side to side in the cup, then a largeamplitude vibration of
the coffee will build up in resonance. To get off resonance and back to the normal case of a small-
amplitude disturbance producing a smallamplitude result, the person can walk faster, walk slower,
or get a larger or smaller cup. Alternatively, even at resonance he can reduce the amplitude by
adding damping, as by stirring highfiber quickcooking oatmeal into the hot coffee.

Q18.17 Beats. The propellers are rotating at slightly different frequencies.

Q18.18 Instead of just radiating sound very softly into the surrounding air, the tuning fork makes the
chalkboard vibrate. With its large area this stiff sounding board radiates sound into the air with
higher power. So it drains away the forks energy of vibration faster and the fork stops vibrating
sooner. This process exemplifies conservation of energy, as the energy of vibration of the fork is
transferred through the blackboard into energy of vibration of the air.

Q18.19 The difference between static and kinetic friction makes your finger alternately slip and stick as it
slides over the glass. Your finger produces a noisy vibration, a mixture of different frequencies, like
new sneakers on a gymnasium floor. The glass finds one of its resonance frequencies in the noise.
The thin stiff wall of the cup starts vibrating with large amplitude in a standing wave vibration
mode. A typical possibility is shown in Figure 18.17. It radiates sound into the surrounding air, and
also can lock your squeaking finger to its own frequency, making the noise disappear after just a few
cycles. Get a lot of different thinwalled glasses of fine crystal and try them out. Each will generally
produce a different note. You can tune them by adding wine.

Q18.20 Helium is less dense than air. It carries sound at higher speed. Each cavity in your vocal apparatus
has a standing-wave resonance frequency, and each of these frequencies is shifted to a higher value.
Your vocal chords can vibrate at the same fundamental frequency, but your vocal tract amplifies by
resonance a different set of higher frequencies. Then your voice has a different quacky quality.
Warning: Inhaling any pressurized gas can cause a gas embolism which can lead to stroke or
death, regardless of your age or health status. If you plan to try this demonstration in class, inhale
your helium from a balloon, not directly from a pressurized tank.

Q18.21 Stick a bit of chewing gum to one tine of the second fork. If the beat frequency is then faster than 4
beats per second, the second has a lower frequency than the standard fork. If the beats have slowed
down, the second fork has a higher frequency than the standard. Remove the gum, clean the fork,
add or subtract 4 Hz according to what you found, and your answer will be the frequency of the
second fork.

SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS

Section 18.1 Superposition and Interference

P18.1 a f a f
y = y1 + y 2 = 3.00 cos 4.00 x 1.60t + 4.00 sin 5.0 x 2.00t evaluated at the given x values.

(a) x = 1.00 , t = 1.00 a f a f

y = 3.00 cos 2.40 rad + 4.00 sin +3.00 rad = 1.65 cm

(b) x = 1.00 , t = 0.500 a f a f

y = 3.00 cos +3.20 rad + 4.00 sin +4.00 rad = 6.02 cm

(c) x = 0.500 , t = 0 a f a f
y = 3.00 cos +2.00 rad + 4.00 sin +2.50 rad = 1.15 cm
526 Superposition and Standing Waves

P18.2

FIG. P18.2

P18.3 (a) a f
y1 = f x vt , so wave 1 travels in the +x direction

y2 = f a x + vtf , so wave 2 travels in the x direction

5 +5
(b) To cancel, y1 + y 2 = 0 : =
a 3 x 4t f + 2 a 3 x + 4t 6 f
2 2
+2

a3 x 4tf = a3x + 4t 6f
2 2

3 x 4t = a3 x + 4t 6f
for the positive root, 8t = 6 t = 0.750 s
(at t = 0.750 s , the waves cancel everywhere)

(c) for the negative root, 6x = 6 x = 1.00 m

(at x = 1.00 m , the waves cancel always)

P18.4 Suppose the waves are sinusoidal.

The sum is a4.00 cmf sinakx tf + a4.00 cmf sinakx t + 90.0f
2a 4.00 cmf sina kx t + 45.0f cos 45.0
So the amplitude is a8.00 cmf cos 45.0 = 5.66 cm .

P18.5 The resultant wave function has the form

FG IJ sinFG kx t + IJ
y = 2 A0 cos
H 2K H 2K

FI
A = 2 A cosG J = 2a5.00f cos M
L 4 OP =
(a) 0
H 2K N 2 Q 9.24 m

1 200
(b) f= = = 600 Hz
2 2
 Chapter 18 527
FG IJ = A
= cos 1
1 FG IJ
P18.6 2 A 0 cos
H 2K 0 so
2 2
= 60.0 =
3 H K
2
Thus, the phase difference is = 120 =
3
T 1
This phase difference results if the time delay is = =
3 3 f 3v
3.00 m
Time delay = = 0.500 s
3 2.00 m s b g
P18.7 (a) If the end is fixed, there is inversion of the pulse upon reflection. Thus, when they meet,
they cancel and the amplitude is zero .

(b) If the end is free, there is no inversion on reflection. When they meet, the amplitude is
a
2 A = 2 0.150 m = 0.300 m .f
P18.8 (a) x = 9.00 + 4.00 3.00 = 13 3.00 = 0.606 m

v 343 m s
The wavelength is = = = 1.14 m
f 300 Hz
x 0.606
Thus, = = 0.530 of a wave ,
1.14
or a f
= 2 0.530 = 3.33 rad

x x
(b) For destructive interference, we want = 0.500 = f
v
v 343
where x is a constant in this set up. f= = = 283 Hz
a
2 x 2 0.606 f
P18.9 We suppose the mans ears are at the same level as the lower speaker. Sound from the upper
speaker is delayed by traveling the extra distance L2 + d 2 L .
He hears a minimum when this is
2n 1
with n = 1, 2 , 3 ,
a f
2
Then, L2 + d 2 L =
n1 2 v b g
f

L2 + d 2 =
n1 2 v
+L
b g
f

2
L +d 2
=
bn 1 2g v 2 2
+ L2 +
b
2 n 1 2 vL g
2
f f

L=
2
b gv
d n 1 2
2 2
f 2
n = 1, 2 , 3 ,
2bn 1 2gv f
This will give us the answer to (b). The path difference starts from nearly zero when the man is very
far away and increases to d when L = 0. The number of minima he hears is the greatest integer

solution to d
b
n1 2 v g
f
df 1
n = greatest integer + .
v 2
continued on next page
528 Superposition and Standing Waves

(a)
df 1
+ =
a
4.00 m 200 s 1
+ = 2.92
fb g
v 2 330 m s 2

He hears two minima.

(b) With n = 1,

L=
d2 1 2 b gv 2 2
f2
=
a4.00 mf b330 m sg 4b200 sg
2 2 2

2b1 2g v f b330 m sg 200 s

L = 9.28 m

with n = 2

L=
b gv
d2 3 2
2 2
f2
= 1.99 m .
2b3 2 g v f

P18.10 Suppose the mans ears are at the same level as the lower speaker. Sound from the upper speaker is
delayed by traveling the extra distance r = L2 + d 2 L .

He hears a minimum when r = 2n 1 a fFGH 2 IJK with n = 1, 2, 3,

IJ FG v IJ
L2 + d 2 L = n
FG 1
Then,
KH f KH 2
2 F 1IF vI
L + d = Gn J G J + L
2
H 2KH f K
F 1I F vI F 1IF vI 2
L + d = G n J G J + 2G n J G J L + L
2 2
2
2
H 2K H f K H 2KH f K
F 1I F vI F 1IF vI
2 2
d G n J G J = 2G n J G J L
2
H 2K H f K H 2KH f K (1)

Equation 1 gives the distances from the lower speaker at which the man will hear a minimum. The
path difference r starts from nearly zero when the man is very far away and increases to d when
L = 0.

(a) The number of minima he hears is the greatest integer value for which L 0 . This is the
1 v FG IJ FG IJ
same as the greatest integer solution to d n
2 f
, or
H KH K
FG f IJ + 1
number of minima heard = n max = greatest integer d
H vK 2 .

(b) From equation 1, the distances at which minima occur are given by

Ln =
b g bv f g
d2 n 1 2
2 2

where n = 1, 2 , , n max .
2bn 1 2gb v f g
 Chapter 18 529
P18.11 (a) b ga f b ga f
1 = 20.0 rad cm 5.00 cm 32.0 rad s 2.00 s = 36.0 rad
1 = b 25.0 rad cmga5.00 cmf b 40.0 rad sga 2.00 sf = 45.0 rad
= 9.00 radians = 516 = 156

(b) = 20.0 x 32.0t 25.0 x 40.0t = 5.00 x + 8.00t

At t = 2.00 s , the requirement is

a f a f
= 5.00 x + 8.00 2.00 = 2n + 1 for any integer n.

For x < 3.20 , 5.00 x + 16.0 is positive, so we have

a
5.00 x + 16.0 = 2n + 1 , orf
x = 3.20
a2n + 1f
5.00

The smallest positive value of x occurs for n = 2 and is

x = 3.20
a4 + 1f = 3.20 = 0.058 4 cm .
5.00

v 344 m s
P18.12 (a) First we calculate the wavelength: = = = 16.0 m
f 21.5 Hz
1
Then we note that the path difference equals 9.00 m 1.00 m =
2
Therefore, the receiver will record a minimum in sound intensity.

(b) We choose the origin at the midpoint between the speakers. If the receiver is located at point
(x, y), then we must solve:

ax + 5.00f 2
+ y2 ax 5.00f 2
+ y2 =
1
2

Then, ax + 5.00f 2
+ y2 = ax 5.00f 2 1
+ y2 +
2
2
Square both sides and simplify to get: 20.0 x
4
= ax 5.00f 2
+ y2

4
Upon squaring again, this reduces to: 400 x 2 10.0 2 x +
16.0
a
= 2 x 5.00 f 2
+ 2 y 2

Substituting = 16.0 m , and reducing, 9.00 x 2 16.0 y 2 = 144

x2 y2
or =1
16.0 9.00
(When plotted this yields a curve called a hyperbola.)
530 Superposition and Standing Waves

Section 18.2 Standing Waves

P18.13 a f a f a f
y = 1.50 m sin 0.400 x cos 200t = 2 A0 sin kx cos t
2 2
Therefore, k = = 0.400 rad m = = 15.7 m
0.400 rad m
200 rad s
and = 2 f so f= = = 31.8 Hz
2 2 rad
200 rad s
The speed of waves in the medium is v = f = 2 f = = = 500 m s
2 k 0.400 rad m

FG x IJ cosa40tf
P18.14 y = 0.030 0 m cos
H 2K
(a) nodes occur where y = 0 :

x
2
a
= 2n + 1f2

so x = a2n + 1f = , 3 , 5 , .
= 0.030 0 m cosG
F 0.400 IJ = 0.029 4 m
(b) y max
H 2 K
P18.15 The facing speakers produce a standing wave in the space between them, with the spacing between
nodes being

v 343 m s
d NN = = = = 0. 214 m
2 2 f 2 800 s 1e j
If the speakers vibrate in phase, the point halfway between them is an antinode of pressure at a
distance from either speaker of

1.25 m
= 0.625 .
2

0. 214
Then there isa node at 0.625 = 0.518 m
2
a node at 0.518 m 0.214 m = 0.303 m

a node at 0.303 m 0.214 m = 0.089 1 m

a node at 0.518 m + 0.214 m = 0.732 m

a node at 0.732 m + 0.214 m = 0.947 m

and a node at 0.947 m + 0.214 m = 1.16 m from either speaker.

 Chapter 18 531
P18.16 y = 2 A 0 sin kx cos t
2y 2 y
= 2 A0 k 2 sin kx cos t = 2 A0 2 sin kx cos t
x 2 t 2
2 A 0 k 2 sin kx cos t =
FG 1 IJ e2 A 2
sin kx cos t j
Substitution into the wave equation gives
Hv K
2 0

This is satisfied, provided that v=
k

P18.17 a f a
y1 = 3.00 sin x + 0.600t cm; y 2 = 3.00 sin x 0.600t cm f
y = y + y = 3.00 sinb x g cosb0.600 t g + 3.00 sinb x g cosb0.600 t g cm
1 2

y = a6.00 cmf sinb x g cosb0.600 t g

(a) We can take cosb0.600 t g = 1 to get the maximum y.

At x = 0.250 cm, y max = a6.00 cmf sina0.250 f = 4.24 cm

(b) At x = 0.500 cm , a f a
y max = 6.00 cm sin 0.500 = 6.00 cmf
(c) b g
Now take cos 0.600 t = 1 to get y max :
At x = 1.50 cm, a f a fa f
y max = 6.00 cm sin 1.50 1 = 6.00 cm

n
(d) The antinodes occur when x=
4
b
n = 1, 3 , 5 , g
2
But k = = , so = 2.00 cm


and x1 = = 0.500 cm as in (b)
4
3
x2 = = 1.50 cm as in (c)
4
5
x3 = = 2.50 cm
4

FG IJ FG
cos t
IJ
P18.18 (a) The resultant wave is y = 2 A sin kx +
H 2 K H 2 K

The nodes are located at kx + = n
2
n
so x=
k 2k

which means that each node is shifted to the left.
2k

(b) The separation of nodes is

LMa f OP LM n OP
x = n + 1 x =

=
N k 2k Q N k 2k Q k 2
The nodes are still separated by half a wavelength.
532 Superposition and Standing Waves

Section 18.3 Standing Waves in a String Fixed at Both Ends

v
P18.19 L = 30.0 m ; = 9.00 10 3 kg m; T = 20.0 N ; f1 =
2L

where
FTI
v=G J
12
= 47.1 m s
H K
47.1
so f1 = = 0.786 Hz f 2 = 2 f1 = 1.57 Hz
60.0
f3 = 3 f1 = 2.36 Hz f 4 = 4 f1 = 3.14 Hz

*P18.20 The tension in the string is b ge

T = 4 kg 9.8 m s 2 = 39.2 N j
m 8 10 3 kg
Its linear density is = = = 1.6 10 3 kg m
L 5m
T 39.2 N
and the wave speed on the string is v= = = 156.5 m s
1.6 10 3 kg m

In its fundamental mode of vibration, we have a f

= 2L = 2 5 m = 10 m
v 156.5 m s
Thus, f= = = 15.7 Hz
10 m

P18.21 (a) Let n be the number of nodes in the standing wave resulting from the 25.0-kg mass. Then
n + 1 is the number of nodes for the standing wave resulting from the 16.0-kg mass. For
2L v
standing waves, = , and the frequency is f = .
n
n Tn
Thus, f=
2L

n + 1 Tn +1
and also f=
2L

Thus,
n +1
=
Tn
=
b25.0 kg gg = 5
n Tn +1 b16.0 kggg 4
Therefore, 4n + 4 = 5n , or n = 4

Then, f=
4 b25.0 kg ge9.80 m s j = 2
350 Hz
a
2 2.00 m f 0.002 00 kg m

(b) The largest mass will correspond to a standing wave of 1 loop

an = 1f so 350 Hz =
1 e
m 9.80 m s 2 j
a
2 2.00 m f 0.002 00 kg m

yielding m = 400 kg
 Chapter 18 533
*P18.22 The first string has linear density

1.56 10 3 kg
1 = = 2.37 10 3 kg m.
0.658 m

6.75 10 3 kg
The second, 2 = = 7.11 10 3 kg m.
0.950 m
The tension in both is T = 6.93 kg 9.8 m s 2 = 67.9 N . The speed of waves in the first string is

T 67.9 N
v1 = = = 169 m s
1 2.37 10 3 kg m

T
and in the second v 2 = = 97.8 m s . The two strings vibrate at the same frequency, according to
2
n 1 v1 n 2 v 2
=
2 L1 2L 2

n1 169 m s n 2 97.8 m s
=
a
2 0.658 m f a
2 0.950 m f
n2 5
= 2.50 = . Thus n1 = 2 and n 2 = 5 are the number of antinodes on each string in the lowest
n1 2
resonance with a node at the junction.

(b) The first string has 2 + 1 = 3 nodes and the second string 5
more nodes, for a total of 8, or 6 other than the vibrator
and pulley. junction

(a) The frequency is

b
2 169 m s g= 257 Hz .
FIG. P18.22(b)
2a0.658 mf

*P18.23 af
For the E-string on a guitar vibrating as a whole, v = f = 330 Hz 2 64.0 cm . When it is stopped at
af af 64.0 cm
the first fret we have 12 2 330 Hz 2 L F = v = 330 Hz 2 64.0 cm . So L F = 12
2
. Similarly for the

af af
second fret, 2 2 12 330 Hz 2 L F# = v = 330 Hz 2 64.0 cm . L F# =
64.0 cm
2 2 12
. The spacing between the first
and second frets is

FG 1 1 IJ = 64.0 cmFG 1 1 IJ = 3.39 cm.

64.0 cm
H2
1 12

2 2 12 K H 1.059 5 1.059 5 K 2

This is a more precise version of the answer to the example in the text.
64.0 cm
Now the eighteenth fret is distant from the bridge by L18 = . And the nineteenth lets this
2 18 12
64.0 cm
much string vibrate: L19 = . The distance between them is
2 19 12

FG 1 1 IJ = 64.0 cm 1 FG 1 1 IJ =
64.0 cm
H2
18 12

2 19 12 K 2 H
1.5
2 K
1 12
1. 27 cm .
534 Superposition and Standing Waves

*P18.24 For the whole string vibrating, d NN = 0.64 m = ; = 1.28 m . The
2
1
speed of a pulse on the string is v = f = 330 1.28 m = 422 m s .
s
2
(a) When the string is stopped at the fret, d NN = 0.64 m = ;
3 2
= 0.853 m
v 422 m s
f= = = 495 Hz . FIG. P18.24(a)
0.853 m
(b) The light touch at a point one third of the way along the
string damps out vibration in the two lowest vibration
states of the string as a whole. The whole string vibrates in

its third resonance possibility: 3d NN = 0.64 m = 3 ;
2
= 0.427 m FIG. P18.24(b)
v 422 m s
f= = = 990 Hz .
0.427 m

P18.25 f1 =
v
, where v =
FG IJ
T
12

2L H K
1
(a) If L is doubled, then f1 L1 will be reduced by a factor .
2
1
(b) If is doubled, then f1 1 2 will be reduced by a factor .
2
(c) If T is doubled, then f1 T will increase by a factor of 2.

P18.26 L = 60.0 cm = 0.600 m; T = 50.0 N ; = 0.100 g cm = 0.010 0 kg m

nv
fn =
2L
where

v=
FG T IJ = 70.7 m s
12

H K
= nG
F 70.7 IJ = 58.9n = 20 000 Hz
fn
H 1.20 K
Largest n = 339 f = 19.976 kHz .

P18.27 d NN = 0.700 m
= 1.40 m
T
f = v = 308 m s =
e1.20 10 j a0.700f
3

(a) T = 163 N

(b) f3 = 660 Hz
FIG. P18.27
 Chapter 18 535

P18.28 a
G = 2 0.350 m = f fv ; = 2L = fv
A A
G A

Ff I F fI F 392 IJ = 0.038 2 m
G J L = L G 1 J = a0.350 mfG 1
G G
LG L A = LG
Hf KA H fK
G G
H 440 K
A

Thus, L A = LG 0.038 2 m = 0.350 m 0.038 2 m = 0.312 m ,

or the finger should be placed 31.2 cm from the bridge .

v 1 T dT dL A 1 dT
LA = = ; dL A = ; =
2 fA 2 fA 4 f A T LA 2 T
dT dL 0.600 cm
=2 A =2 = 3.84%
T LA a
35.0 3.82 cm f
P18.29 In the fundamental mode, the string above the rod has only A
two nodes, at A and B, with an anti-node halfway between A
and B. Thus,

L 2L
= AB = or = .
2 cos cos

Since the fundamental frequency is f, the wave speed in this

B
segment of string is
L
2Lf
v = f = .
cos
M
T T TL
Also, v = = =
m AB m cos T

where T is the tension in this part of the string. Thus,

F
2Lf TL 4L2 f 2 TL
= or =
cos m cos 2
cos m cos

and the mass of string above the rod is:

Mg
T cos
m= [Equation 1]
4Lf 2 FIG. P18.29

Now, consider the tension in the string. The light rod would rotate about point P if the string exerted
any vertical force on it. Therefore, recalling Newtons third law, the rod must exert only a horizontal
force on the string. Consider a free-body diagram of the string segment in contact with the end of
the rod.

Mg
Fy = T sin Mg = 0 T = sin
Then, from Equation 1, the mass of string above the rod is

m=
FG Mg IJ cos = Mg
H sin K 4Lf
2
4Lf 2 tan
.
536 Superposition and Standing Waves

*P18.30 Let m = V represent the mass of the copper cylinder. The original tension in the wire is
T1 = mg = Vg . The water exerts a buoyant force water
V FG IJ
2 H K
g on the cylinder, to reduce the tension to

T2 = Vg water
FG V IJ g = FG IJ Vg .
water
H 2K H 2 K
T1 T2
The speed of a wave on the string changes from to . The frequency changes from

v1 T1 1 T2 1
f1 = = to f 2 =

where we assume = 2L is constant.

f2 T2 water 2 8.92 1.00 2
Then = = =
f1 T1 8.92

8.42
f 2 = 300 Hz = 291 Hz
8.92

*P18.31 Comparing a f db g i db
y = 0.002 m sin rad m x cos 100 rad s t gi
with y = 2 A sin kx cos t
2
we find k= = m 1 , = 2.00 m , and = 2 f = 100 s 1 : f = 50.0 Hz

(a) Then the distance between adjacent nodes is d NN = = 1.00 m
2
L 3.00 m
and on the string are = = 3 loops
d NN 1.00 m
For the speed we have e j
v = f = 50 s 1 2 m = 100 m s

b
(b) In the simplest standing wave vibration, d NN = 3.00 m = , b = 6.00 m
2
v 100 m s
and fb = a = = 16.7 Hz
b 6.00 m

T0
(c) In v 0 = , if the tension increases to Tc = 9T0 and the string does not stretch, the speed

increases to
9T0 T0
vc =

=3 b
= 3 v 0 = 3 100 m s = 300 m s g
v 300 m s
Then c = c = 1
= 6.00 m d NN = c = 3.00 m
fa 50 s 2
and one loop fits onto the string.
 Chapter 18 537
Section 18.4 Resonance

P18.32 The natural frequency is

1 1 g 1 9.80 m s 2
f= = = = 0.352 Hz .
T 2 L 2 2.00 m

The big brother must push at this same frequency of 0.352 Hz to produce resonance.

9.15 m
P18.33 (a) The wave speed is v= = 3.66 m s
2.50 s

(b) From the figure, there are antinodes at both ends of the pond, so the distance between
adjacent antinodes

is d AA = = 9.15 m ,
2
and the wavelength is = 18.3 m
v 3.66 m s
The frequency is then f= = = 0.200 Hz
18.3 m
We have assumed the wave speed is the same for all wavelengths.

P18.34 The wave speed is v = gd = e9.80 m s ja36.1 mf = 18.8 m s

2

The bay has one end open and one closed. Its simplest resonance is with a node of horizontal
velocity, which is also an antinode of vertical displacement, at the head of the bay and an antinode
of velocity, which is a node of displacement, at the mouth. The vibration of the water in the bay is
like that in one half of the pond shown in Figure P18.33.

Then, d NA = 210 10 3 m =
4
and = 840 10 3 m
1 840 10 3 m
Therefore, the period is T= = = = 4. 47 10 4 s = 12 h 24 min
f v 18.8 m s

This agrees precisely with the period of the lunar excitation , so we identify the extra-high tides as
amplified by resonance.

P18.35 The distance between adjacent nodes is one-quarter of the circumference.

20.0 cm
d NN = d AA = = = 5.00 cm
2 4

v 900 m s
so = 10.0 cm and f = = = 9 000 Hz = 9.00 kHz .
0.100 m
The singer must match this frequency quite precisely for some interval of time to feed enough
energy into the glass to crack it.
538 Superposition and Standing Waves

Section 18.5 Standing Waves in Air Columns

P18.36 d AA = 0.320 m ; = 0.640 m

v
(a) f= = 531 Hz

(b) = 0.085 0 m; d AA = 42.5 mm

P18.37 (a) For the fundamental mode in a closed pipe, = 4L , as A N

in the diagram.
v /4
But v = f , therefore L = L
4f
343 m s
So, L = = 0.357 m
e
4 240 s 1 j A N A

(b) For an open pipe, = 2L , as in the diagram. /2

v 343 m s
So, L = = = 0.715 m FIG. P18.37
e
2 f 2 240 s 1 j
v 343 m s
P18.38 The wavelength is = = = 1.31 m
f 261.6 s

so the length of the open pipe vibrating in its simplest (A-N-A) mode is
1
d A to A = = 0.656 m
2
A closed pipe has (N-A) for its simplest resonance,
(N-A-N-A) for the second,
and (N-A-N-A-N-A) for the third.
5 5
Here, the pipe length is 5d N to A =
4
a f
= 1.31 m = 1.64 m
4

*P18.39 Assuming an air temperature of T = 37 C = 310 K , the speed of sound inside the pipe is

b
v = 331 m s g 310 K
273 K
= 353 m s .

In the fundamental resonant mode, the wavelength of sound waves in a pipe closed at one end is
= 4L . Thus, for the whooping crane

a f
= 4 5.0 ft = 2.0 10 1 ft and f =
v b353 m sg FG 3.281 ft IJ =
2.0 10 ft H 1 m K
= 57.9 Hz .
1
 Chapter 18 539
P18.40 The air in the auditory canal, about 3 cm long, can vibrate with a node at the closed end and
antinode at the open end,

with d N to A = 3 cm =
4
so = 0.12 m
v 343 m s
and f= = 3 kHz
0.12 m
A small-amplitude external excitation at this frequency can, over time, feed energy
into a larger-amplitude resonance vibration of the air in the canal, making it audible.

P18.41 For a closed box, the resonant frequencies will have nodes at both sides, so the permitted
1
b
wavelengths will be L = n , n = 1, 2 , 3 , .
2
g
n nv nv
i.e., L = = and f = .
2 2f 2L

Therefore, with L = 0.860 m and L = 2.10 m, the resonant frequencies are

a
fn = n 206 Hz f for L = 0.860 m for each n from 1 to 9

a
and fn = n 84.5 Hz f for L = 2.10 m for each n from 2 to 23.

v
P18.42 The wavelength of sound is =
f

v r 2v
The distance between water levels at resonance is d = Rt = r 2 d =
2f 2f

r 2v
and t= .
2 Rf

P18.43 For both open and closed pipes, resonant frequencies are equally spaced as numbers. The set of
resonant frequencies then must be 650 Hz, 550 Hz, 450 Hz, 350 Hz, 250 Hz, 150 Hz, 50 Hz. These are
odd-integer multipliers of the fundamental frequency of 50.0 Hz . Then the pipe length is
v 340 m s
d NA = = = = 1.70 m .
4 4f 4 50 s b g
L n
P18.44 = d AA = or L= for n = 1, 2 , 3 ,
2 n 2

Since =
v
L=n
FG v IJ for n = 1, 2 , 3 ,
f H2fK
With v = 343 m s and f = 680 Hz,
F 343 m s I = na0.252 mf
L=n GH 2a680 Hzf JK for n = 1, 2 , 3 ,

a
Possible lengths for resonance are: L = 0.252 m, 0.504 m, 0.757 m, , n 0. 252 m . f
540 Superposition and Standing Waves

P18.45 For resonance in a narrow tube open at one end, f = 384 Hz

f =n
v
4L
b
n = 1, 3 , 5 , . g warm
air 22.8 cm
(a) Assuming n = 1 and n = 3 ,
v 3v
384 = and 384 = .
a
4 0.228 f 4 0.683 a f 68.3 cm

In either case, v = 350 m s .

(b) For the next resonance n = 5 , and L = =

b
5 v 5 350 m s
= 1.14 m .
g
4f e
4 384 s 1 j
FIG. P18.45
v v 34
P18.46 The length corresponding to the fundamental satisfies f = : L1 = = = 0.167 m .
4L 4 f 4 512 a f
3v 5v
Since L > 20.0 cm, the next two modes will be observed, corresponding to f = and f = .
4L 2 4L3
3v 5v
or L 2 = = 0.502 m and L3 = = 0.837 m .
4f 4f

P18.47 We suppose these are the lowest resonances of the enclosed air columns.
v 343 m s
For one, = = = 1.34 m length = d AA = = 0.670 m
f 256 s 1 2
v 343 m s
For the other, = = = 0.780 m length = 0.390 m
f 440 s 1
So,

(b) original length = 1.06 m

= 2d AA = 2.12 m
343 m s
(a) f= = 162 Hz
2.12 m

P18.48 (a) For the fundamental mode of an open tube,

v 343 m s
L= = = = 0.195 m .
e
2 2 f 2 880 s 1 j
(b) v = 331 m s 1 +
a5.00f = 328 m s
273
We ignore the thermal expansion of the metal.
v v 328 m s
f= = = = 841 Hz
a
2L 2 0.195 m f
The flute is flat by a semitone.
 Chapter 18 541
Section 18.6 Standing Waves in Rod and Plates

v 5 100
P18.49 (a) f= = = 1.59 kHz
2L a fa f
2 1.60

(b) Since it is held in the center, there must be a node in the center as well as antinodes at the
ends. The even harmonics have an antinode at the center so only the odd harmonics are
present.

v 3 560
(c) f= = = 1.11 kHz
2L a fa f
2 1.60

P18.50 When the rod is clamped at one-quarter of its length, the vibration pattern reads ANANA and the
rod length is L = 2d AA = .
v 5 100 m s
Therefore, L = = = 1.16 m
f 4 400 Hz

Section 18.7 Beats: Interference in Time

540
P18.51 f v T f new = 110 = 104.4 Hz
600
f = 5.64 beats s

P18.52 (a) The string could be tuned to either 521 Hz or 525 Hz from this evidence.

(b) Tightening the string raises the wave speed and frequency. If the frequency were originally
521 Hz, the beats would slow down.
Instead, the frequency must have started at 525 Hz to become 526 Hz .

v T 1 T
(c) From f = = =
2L 2L

f2 T2 f
and T2 = 2
FG IJ 2
FG 523 Hz IJ 2

f1
=
T1 f1 H K T1 =
H 526 Hz K T1 = 0.989T1 .

The fractional change that should be made in the tension is then

T1 T2
fractional change = = 1 0.989 = 0.011 4 = 1.14% lower.
T1

The tension should be reduced by 1.14% .

542 Superposition and Standing Waves

P18.53 For an echo f = f

bv + v g the beat frequency is f
s
= f f .
bv v gs
b

Solving for fb .

gives fb = f
b2 v g
s
bv v g when approaching wall.
s

2a1.33f
= a 256f
(a) fb
a343 1.33f = 1.99 Hz beat frequency
(b) When he is moving away from the wall, v s changes sign. Solving for v s gives

vs =
fb v
=
a fa f
5 343
= 3.38 m s .
2 f fba fa f
2 256 5

2
*P18.54 Using the 4 and 2 - foot pipes produces actual frequencies of 131 Hz and 196 Hz and a
3
a f
combination tone at 196 131 Hz = 65.4 Hz , so this pair supplies the so-called missing fundamental.
a f
The 4 and 2-foot pipes produce a combination tone 262 131 Hz = 131 Hz , so this does not work.
2
a f
The 2 and 2 - foot pipes produce a combination tone at 262 196 Hz = 65.4 Hz , so this works.
3
2
Also, 4, 2 , and 2 - foot pipes all playing together produce the 65.4-Hz combination tone.
3

Section 18.8 Non-Sinusoidal Wave Patterns

P18.55 We list the frequencies of the harmonics of each note in Hz:

Harmonic
Note 1 2 3 4 5
A 440.00 880.00 1 320.0 1 760.0 2 200.0
C# 554.37 1 108.7 1 663.1 2 217.5 2 771.9
E 659.26 1 318.5 1 977.8 2 637.0 3 296.3

The second harmonic of E is close the the third harmonic of A, and the fourth
harmonic of C# is close to the fifth harmonic of A.

P18.56 We evaluate

s = 100 sin + 157 sin 2 + 62.9 sin 3 + 105 sin 4

+51.9 sin 5 + 29.5 sin 6 + 25.3 sin 7

where s represents particle displacement in nanometers

and represents the phase of the wave in radians. As
advances by 2 , time advances by (1/523) s. Here is the
result:

FIG. P18.56
 Chapter 18 543
Additional Problems

P18.57 f = 87.0 Hz
speed of sound in air: v a = 340 m s

(a) b = e ja
v = f b = 87.0 s 1 0.400 m f
v = 34.8 m s

(b)
a = 4L UV L=
va
=
340 m s
= 0.977 m
va = a f W e
4 f 4 87.0 s 1 j
FIG. P18.57

*P18.58 (a) Use the Doppler formula

f= f
bv v g .
0
bv v g
s

With f1 = frequency of the speaker in front of student and

f 2 = frequency of the speaker behind the student.

a
f1 = 456 Hz f b343b343
m s + 1.50 m sg
m s 0g
= 458 Hz

f = a 456 Hzf
b343 m s 1.50 m sg = 454 Hz
2
b343 m s + 0g
Therefore, fb = f1 f 2 = 3.99 Hz .

v 343 m s
(b) The waves broadcast by both speakers have = = = 0.752 m . The standing wave
f 456 s

between them has d AA = = 0.376 m . The student walks from one maximum to the next in
2
0.376 m 1
time t = = 0.251 s , so the frequency at which she hears maxima is f = = 3.99 Hz .
1.50 m s T

P18.59 Moving away from station, frequency is depressed:

343
f = 180 2.00 = 178 Hz : 178 = 180
343 v a f
Solving for v gives v=
a2.00fa343f
178
Therefore, v = 3.85 m s away from station
Moving toward the station, the frequency is enhanced:
343
f = 180 + 2.00 = 182 Hz : 182 = 180
343 v

Solving for v gives 4=

2.00 343 a fa f
182
Therefore, v = 3.77 m s toward the station
544 Superposition and Standing Waves

P18.60 v=
a48.0fa2.00f = 141 m s
4.80 10 3
v
d NN = 1.00 m ; = 2.00 m ; f = = 70.7 Hz

v a 343 m s
a = = = 4.85 m
f 70.7 Hz

P18.61 Call L the depth of the well and v the speed of sound.

Then for some integer n a

L = 2n 1 f 4 = a2n 1f 4vf = a2n4 511fb.5343s m sg
1

1 e 1
j
and for the next resonance L = 2an + 1f 1

= a 2n + 1f2 v
=
a2n + 1fb343 m sg
4 4f 2 4e60.0 s j
1

Thus,
a2n 1fb343 m sg = a2n + 1fb343 m sg
4e51.5 s j 1
4e60.0 s j 1

2n + 1 2n 1
and we require an integer solution to =
60.0 51.5
111.5
The equation gives n = = 6.56 , so the best fitting integer is n = 7 .
17

Then L=
af b
2 7 1 343 m s g = 21.6 m
4e51.5 s j 1

2a7 f + 1 b343 m sg
and L= = 21.4 m
4e60.0 s j 1

suggest the best value for the depth of the well is 21.5 m .

1.75 m
P18.62 The second standing wave mode of the air in the pipe reads ANAN, with d NA = =
4 3
so = 2.33 m
v 343 m s
and f= = = 147 Hz
2.33 m
For the string, and v are different but f is the same.

0.400 m
= d NN =
2 2

so = 0.400 m
a fa f
v = f = 0. 400 m 147 Hz = 58.8 m s =
T

e jb
T = v 2 = 9.00 10 3 kg m 58.8 m s g 2
= 31.1 N
 Chapter 18 545
P18.63 (a) Since the first node is at the weld, the wavelength in the thin wire is 2L or 80.0 cm. The
frequency and tension are the same in both sections, so

1 T 1 4.60
f= = = 59.9 Hz .
2L a
2 0.400 f 2.00 10 3

(b) As the thick wire is twice the diameter, the linear density is 4 times that of the thin wire.
= 8.00 g m

so L =
1 T
L =
LM 1 OP 4.60
= 20.0 cm half the length of the
2f N a2fa59.9f Q 8.00 10 3
thin wire.

P18.64 (a) For the block:

Fx = T Mg sin 30.0 = 0
1
so T = Mg sin 30.0 = Mg .
2

(b) The length of the section of string parallel to the incline is

h
= 2 h . The total length of the string is then 3h . FIG. P18.64
sin 30.0

m
(c) The mass per unit length of the string is =
3h

T FG Mg IJ FG 3 h IJ = 3 Mgh
(d) The speed of waves in the string is v=

=
H 2 KH m K 2m

(e) In the fundamental mode, the segment of length h vibrates as one loop. The distance

between adjacent nodes is then d NN = = h , so the wavelength is = 2h .
2
v 1 3 Mgh 3 Mg
The frequency is f= = =
2h 2m 8mh

FG IJ and
(g) When the vertical segment of string vibrates with 2 loops (i.e., 3 nodes), then h = 2
H 2K
the wavelength is = h .

(f) The period of the standing wave of 3 nodes (or two loops) is

1 2m 2mh
T= = =h =
f v 3 Mgh 3 Mg

3 Mg
(h) e j
fb = 1.02 f f = 2.00 10 2 f = e2.00 10 j 2
8mh
546 Superposition and Standing Waves

n T
P18.65 (a) f=
2L
f L L 1
so = = =
f L 2L 2

The frequency should be halved to get the same number of antinodes for twice the
length.

n T T FG IJ = LM n OP
n
2 2
(b)
n
=
T
so
T
=
H K Nn + 1 Q
n

The tension must be T = M

L n OP T 2

Nn + 1 Q
T F nf L I
2
f n L T
(c) = so =G J
f nL T T H n fL K

T FG IJ
3
2
T 9
T
=
H K
22
=
T 16
to get twice as many antinodes.

P18.66 For the wire, =

0.010 0 kg
= 5.00 10 3 kg m : v=
T
=
e200 kg m s j2

2.00 m 5.00 10 3 kg m
v = 200 m s

If it vibrates in its simplest state, d NN = 2.00 m =

: f=
v
=
b200 m sg = 50.0 Hz
2 4.00 m

(a) The tuning fork can have frequencies 45.0 Hz or 55.0 Hz .

(b) b g
If f = 45.0 Hz , v = f = 45.0 s 4.00 m = 180 m s .

b
Then, T = v 2 = 180 m s g e5.00 10
2 3
j
kg m = 162 N

= b55.0 sg a 4.00 mf e5.00 10 j

2 2 3
or if f = 55.0 Hz , T = v 2 = f 2 2
kg m = 242 N .

P18.67 We look for a solution of the form

a f a f b
5.00 sin 2.00 x 10.0t + 10.0 cos 2.00 x 10.0 t = A sin 2.00 x 10.0 t + g
= A sina 2.00 x 10.0t f cos + A cosa 2.00 x 10.0t f sin

This will be true if both 5.00 = A cos and 10.0 = A sin ,

requiring a5.00f + a10.0f

2 2
= A2
A = 11.2 and = 63.4

a
The resultant wave 11.2 sin 2.00 x 10.0t + 63.4 f is sinusoidal.
 Chapter 18 547

With k =
2
and = 2 f =
2 v
b g
y x , t = 2 A sin kx cos t = 2 A sin
FG 2 x IJ cosFG 2 vt IJ
P18.68 (a)

:
H K H K
(b) For the fundamental vibration, 1 = 2L

b g
y1 x , t = 2 A sin
FG x IJ cosFG vt IJ
so
HLK H L K
For the second harmonic 2 = L and b g
y 2 x , t = 2 A sin
FG 2 x IJ cosFG 2 vt IJ
(c)
H LK H L K
In general, n =
2L
b g
yn x , t = 2 A sin
FG n x IJ cosFG n vt IJ
(d)
n
and
H LK H L K
P18.69 (a) Let represent the angle each slanted rope
makes with the vertical.
In the diagram, observe that:

1.00 m 2
sin = =
1.50 m 3

or = 41.8 .
Considering the mass,
Fy = 0 : 2T cos = mg
FIG. P18.69
or T =
b12.0 kg ge9.80 m s j = 2
78.9 N
2 cos 41.8

T 78.9 N
(b) The speed of transverse waves in the string is v= = = 281 m s
0.001 00 kg m
3
For the standing wave pattern shown (3 loops), d=
2

or =
a
2 2.00 m
= 1.33 m
f
3
v 281 m s
Thus, the required frequency is f= = = 211 Hz
1.33 m

*P18.70 d AA = = 7.05 10 3 m is the distance between antinodes.
2
Then = 14.1 10 3 m

v 3.70 10 3 m s
and f = = 3
= 2.62 10 5 Hz .
14.1 10 m
FIG. P18.70
The crystal can be tuned to vibrate at 2 18 Hz , so that binary counters can
derive from it a signal at precisely 1 Hz.
548 Superposition and Standing Waves

ANSWERS TO EVEN PROBLEMS

P18.2 see the solution P18.38 0.656 m; 1.64 m

P18.4 5.66 cm P18.40 3 kHz; see the solution

P18.6 0.500 s r 2v
P18.42 t =
2 Rf
P18.8 (a) 3.33 rad; (b) 283 Hz
P18.44 L = 0.252 m, 0.504 m, 0.757 m, ,
P18.10 (a) The number is the greatest
fFG IJ
1
a f
n 0.252 m for n = 1, 2 , 3 ,
integer d
v H K
+ ;
2 P18.46 0.502 m; 0.837 m
d bn 1 2g b v f g
2 2 2

(b) Ln = where
2bn 1 2 gb v f g P18.48 (a) 0.195 m; (b) 841 m
n = 1, 2 , , n max
P18.50 1.16 m
P18.52 (a) 521 Hz or 525 Hz; (b) 526 Hz;
P18.12 (a) x = ;
2 (c) reduce by 1.14%
(b) along the hyperbola 9 x 2 16 y 2 = 144
2 2
P18.14 a f
(a) 2n + 1 m for n = 0 , 1, 2 , 3 , ;
P18.54 4-foot and 2 -foot ; 2 and 2 - foot; and
3 3
(b) 0.029 4 m all three together

P18.16 see the solution P18.56 see the solution

P18.18 see the solution P18.58 (a) and (b) 3.99 beats s

P18.20 15.7 Hz P18.60 4.85 m

P18.22 (a) 257 Hz; (b) 6 P18.62 31.1 N

P18.24 (a) 495 Hz; (b) 990 Hz 1 m 3 Mgh

P18.64 (a) Mg ; (b) 3h; (c) ; (d) ;
2 3h 2m
P18.26 19.976 kHz 3 Mg 2mh
(e) ; (f) ; (g) h;
8mh 3 Mg
P18.28 3.84%
3 Mg
P18.30 291 Hz
e
(h) 2.00 10 2 j 8mh

P18.32 0.352 Hz P18.66 (a) 45.0 Hz or 55.0 Hz; (b) 162 N or 242 N

P18.34 see the solution P18.68 see the solution

P18.36 (a) 531 Hz; (b) 42.5 mm P18.70 262 kHz