Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 1

Prometheus is one of Saturn’s moons. It has a mass of 2.70 × 1017 kg and a radius of 46.0
km.

Part 1)
What is the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of this moon?

𝐹𝐹 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀
= 𝐺𝐺 2
𝑟𝑟
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
∴ 𝑔𝑔 = 2
𝑟𝑟

𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
𝑔𝑔 =
𝑟𝑟 2
6.673 × 10−11 × 2.70 × 1017
=
460002
= 0.00851 ms−2

Part 2)
A pendulum is set up on Prometheus with a length of 5.3 m. What is the period of this
pendulum?

𝑙𝑙
𝑇𝑇 = 2𝜋𝜋�
𝑔𝑔

5.3
= 2 × 𝜋𝜋 × �
0.00851
= 157 s
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Part 3)
In order to keep track of time, some astronauts set up a simple pendulum with a period of
60.0 s. What should the length of this pendulum be?

𝑙𝑙
𝑇𝑇 = 2𝜋𝜋�
𝑔𝑔

𝑇𝑇 𝑙𝑙
=�
2𝜋𝜋 𝑔𝑔
𝑇𝑇 2 𝑙𝑙
=
4𝜋𝜋 2 𝑔𝑔
𝑇𝑇 2 𝑔𝑔
𝑙𝑙 =
4𝜋𝜋 2
602 × 0.00851
=
4𝜋𝜋 2
= 0.776 m
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 2

As a longitudinal wave passes through a medium, a particle making up the medium with an
equilibrium position of x = 2.64 m undergoes simple harmonic motion described by the
equation 𝑠𝑠(𝑡𝑡) = 1.33 cos(5.18𝑡𝑡 + 1.510) cm. The wavelength is 30.0 cm.

Part 1)
What is the maximum speed of a particle making up the medium?

𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = −1.33 × 5.18 × sin(5.18𝑡𝑡 + 1.510) cm

= −6.89 sin(5.18𝑡𝑡 + 1.510) cm

𝑣𝑣max = 6.89 cm
= 0.0689 m

Part 2)
What is the wave speed?

𝜔𝜔 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
= 5.18
5.18
𝑓𝑓 =
2𝜋𝜋

𝑣𝑣 = 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
5.18 30
= ×
2𝜋𝜋 100
= 0.247 m/s

Part 3)
Write an equation to describe the wave as a function of x and t, where x is in m and t is in s.
The wave is travelling in the positive direction.

𝑠𝑠(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 𝑠𝑠max sin(𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙)

𝑠𝑠max = 1.33 cm
= 0.0133 m

2𝜋𝜋
𝑘𝑘 =
𝜆𝜆
2𝜋𝜋
=
0.3
= 20.9
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

𝑠𝑠(2.64,0) = 0.0133 cos(1.51)

2𝜋𝜋
0.0133 sin � × 2.64 + 𝜙𝜙� = 0.0133 cos(1.51)
0.3
2𝜋𝜋
sin � × 2.64 + 𝜙𝜙� = cos(1.51)
0.3
2𝜋𝜋 𝜋𝜋
× 2.64 + 𝜙𝜙 = 1.51 −
0.3 2
𝜙𝜙 = −55.2

𝜔𝜔 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
5.18
= 2𝜋𝜋 ×
2𝜋𝜋
= 5.18

𝑠𝑠(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 0.0133 sin(20.9𝑥𝑥 − 5.18𝑡𝑡 − 55.2)

Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 3

A wave with a wavelength of 0.265 m and an amplitude of 0.406 cm is set up in a rope with
a linear density of 248 g/m and kept under a tension of 49.8 N. The wave travels to the right.

Part 1)
What is the velocity of the wave?

𝑇𝑇
𝑣𝑣 = �
𝜇𝜇

49.8
=�
0.248
= 14.2 m/s

Part 2)
Assuming that at t = 0, x = 0 and y = 0, write an equation to describe this wave.

𝑦𝑦 = 𝐴𝐴 sin(𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔)

𝐴𝐴 = 0.406 cm

2𝜋𝜋
𝑘𝑘 =
𝜆𝜆
2𝜋𝜋
=
0.265
= 23.7

𝜔𝜔 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝑣𝑣 = 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
𝑣𝑣
𝑓𝑓 =
𝜆𝜆
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝜔𝜔 =
𝜆𝜆
2 × 𝜋𝜋 × 14.2
=
0.265
= 336

𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 0.406 sin(23.7𝑥𝑥 − 336𝑡𝑡)

Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Part 3)
A second identical wave with a phase of 𝜙𝜙 = 0.981 rad behind the first wave is also set up in
the rope. Write an equation to describe the rope now.

You have an equation for the first wave in the form 𝑦𝑦1 = 𝐴𝐴 sin(𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔). The second wave
can be written as 𝑦𝑦2 = 𝐴𝐴 sin(𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙). Adding these together:
𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑦𝑦2 = 𝐴𝐴 sin(𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔) + 𝐴𝐴 sin(𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙)
= 𝐴𝐴(sin(𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔) + sin(𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙))
𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 − (𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙)
= 𝐴𝐴 �2 sin � � cos � ��
2 2
𝜙𝜙 𝜙𝜙
= 2𝐴𝐴 cos � � sin �𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + �
2 2
0.981 0.981
= 2 × 0.406 × cos � � sin �23.7𝑥𝑥 − 336𝑡𝑡 + �
2 2
0.981
= 0.716 sin �23.7𝑥𝑥 − 336𝑡𝑡 + � cm
2
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 4

A standing wave is established in a string and can be described by the equation:

𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 3.06 sin(53.2𝑥𝑥) cos(924𝑡𝑡) cm
Where x is in m and t is in s.

Part 1)
Write an equation to describe the movement of an increment of string at x = 0.537 m as a
function of time.

𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 3.06 sin(53.2𝑥𝑥 ) cos(924𝑡𝑡)

𝑦𝑦(𝑡𝑡) = 3.06 sin(53.2 × 0.537) cos(924𝑡𝑡)
= −0.887 cos(924𝑡𝑡) cm

Part 2)
What is the maximum speed of a piece of string at x = 0.537 m?

𝑣𝑣max = 0.887 × 924

= 820 cm/s
= 8.2 m/s

Part 3)
What is the wavelength of this standing wave?

2𝜋𝜋
𝑘𝑘 =
𝜆𝜆
2𝜋𝜋
= 53.2
𝜆𝜆
2𝜋𝜋
𝜆𝜆 =
53.2
= 0.118 m
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 5

A large car is travelling at 67.0 km/h. The wheels roll along the road without sliding. There is
a white dot on the tyre.

Part 1)
What is the angular frequency, ω, for the tyre, given that the diameter of the wheel is 55.8
cm.

𝑣𝑣 = 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔
𝑣𝑣
𝜔𝜔 =
𝑟𝑟
67 ÷ 3.6
=
55.8 ÷ 2 ÷ 100
= 66.7 rad/s

Part 2)
At t = 0, the white dot is at the bottom of the wheel against the road as shown in Figure 1.
Call this θ = 0°. At what time will the dot first pass through θ = 95.7°?

Figure 1: A wheel with a white dot in contact with the rim at the very bottom. This angle is
defined as θ = 0°. The wheel turns and the white dot moves to a new position such that θ
now equals the new angle presented in this scenario.

𝜃𝜃 = 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔
𝜃𝜃
𝑡𝑡 =
𝜔𝜔
95.7 × 180 × 𝜋𝜋
=
66.7
= 0.0250 s
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Part 3)
Write an expression for the height of the dot above the road as a function of time.

Vertically, the dot is undergoing simple harmonic motion. If you take h = 0 as the centre of
the wheel, then ℎ = −𝑟𝑟 cos(𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔) describes the vertical distance from the centre of the
wheel. You have been asked for the height above the road, this will range between 0 and
the diameter of the wheel. You will need to adjust the expression for h to account for this

𝑟𝑟 = 55.8 ÷ 2
= 27.9 cm

𝜔𝜔 = 66.7

ℎ = 𝑟𝑟 − 𝑟𝑟 cos(𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔)
= 𝑟𝑟 (1 − cos(𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔))
= 27.9(1 − cos(66.7𝑡𝑡))
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 6

A longitudinal wave moves through the air. It is given by the equation:

𝑠𝑠 (𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 725 sin(12.40𝑥𝑥 − 3230𝑡𝑡 + 2.760) nm,
where s(x, t) refers to the displacement of the particles from their equilibrium position. x is
in m and t is in s.

Part 1)
What is the speed of the wave?

𝑣𝑣 = 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
2𝜋𝜋
𝑘𝑘 =
𝜆𝜆
𝜔𝜔 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝜔𝜔
𝑣𝑣 =
𝑘𝑘
3230
=
12.4
= 260 ms−1

Part 2)
Write down an equation to describe the displacement of the air particle whose equilibrium
position is x = 6.87 m.

𝑠𝑠(𝑡𝑡) = 725 sin(12.40 × 6.87 − 3230𝑡𝑡 + 2.760)

= 725 sin(88 − 3230𝑡𝑡) nm

Part 3)
What is the maximum velocity that any particle making up the medium can have at any
time?

𝑣𝑣max = 725 × 3230 × 10−9

= 0.00234 m
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 7

A sinusoidal wave travelling along a piece of string is described by the equation:

𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 4.53 sin(25.2𝑥𝑥 − 1030𝑡𝑡) cm.
Where x is in m and t is in s.

Part 1)
No energy is lost when the wave is reflected from the end of the string. Write the equation
to describe the reflected wave:

The reflected wave is identical except for the direction it is travelling. A wave travelling in
the negative direction has the form 𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 𝐴𝐴 sin(𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 + 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔).
𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 45.3 sin(25.2𝑥𝑥 + 1030𝑡𝑡)

Part 2)
These two waves interfere to form a standing wave. Write an equation to describe the
standing wave.

𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑦𝑦2 = 4.53 sin(25.2𝑥𝑥 − 1030𝑡𝑡) + 45.3 sin(25.2𝑥𝑥 + 1030𝑡𝑡)

= 4.53(sin(25.2𝑥𝑥 − 1030𝑡𝑡) + sin(25.2𝑥𝑥 + 1030𝑡𝑡))
= 2 × 4.53
25.2𝑥𝑥 − 1030𝑡𝑡 − 25.2𝑥𝑥 − 1030𝑡𝑡 25.2𝑥𝑥 − 1030𝑡𝑡 + 25.2𝑥𝑥 − 1030𝑡𝑡
× cos � � sin � �
2 2
= 9.06 sin(25.2𝑥𝑥) cos(1030𝑡𝑡) cm

Part 3)
For this standing wave, what is the distance between two anti-nodes?

Anti-nodes occur every half wavelength.

2𝜋𝜋
𝑘𝑘 =
𝜆𝜆
2𝜋𝜋
𝜆𝜆 =
𝑘𝑘
2𝜋𝜋
=
25.2
= 0.249 m

𝑑𝑑 = 𝜋𝜋 ÷ 25.2
= 0.125 m
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 8

A disk with mass 1.90 kg and radius 24.5 cm is hung through its centre (Figure 1). A torque
of 1.64 Nm needs to be applied to cause it to move through an angle of 39.3° and then stop.

Figure 1: Diagrammatic representation of a disk hung through its centre. The disk has a
radius of r.

Part 1)
What is the torsional constant, κ, of the system?

𝑟𝑟 = −𝜅𝜅𝜅𝜅
𝑟𝑟
𝜅𝜅 = −
𝜃𝜃
1.64
=−
39.3 ÷ 180 × 𝜋𝜋
= −2.39 Nm rad−1

Note answer is 2.39 and does not have a negative not sure why.
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Part 2)
The disk is now released from this angle. The torque is no longer applied. What is the
frequency of the resulting simple harmonic motion?

𝐼𝐼
𝑇𝑇 = 2𝜋𝜋�
𝜅𝜅

1
𝑓𝑓 =
𝑇𝑇
1
𝐼𝐼 = 𝑚𝑚𝑟𝑟 2
2

1 2𝜅𝜅
𝑓𝑓 = � 2
2𝜋𝜋 𝑚𝑚𝑟𝑟

1 2 × 2.39
= �
2𝜋𝜋 1.9 × 0.2452
= 1.03 Hz

Part 3)
What driving frequency would cause this disk to undergo resonance?

The driving frequency that would cause the disk to undergo resonance would be the same
as the natural frequency of the disk. Thus:
𝑓𝑓 = 1.03 Hz
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Part 4)
A damping force is applied to the system, opposing its motion. The damping force is slowly
increased and the oscillations measured (Figure 2–5). Rank the figure options below from
least damping to most damping. In all of these figures, the angle displaced from equilibrium
(θ) is on the y-axis and time (t) is on the x-axis.

Figure 2: Oscillates between the maximum

Figure 3: Oscillates between the maximum
and minimum initial angle values for the
and minimum initial angles for the entire
entire graph. The final maximum value is
graph. At the end, the maximum and
approximately a third of the initial
minimum values are almost zero.
maximum value, θm.

Figure 4: Oscillates between the maximum
and minimum values for the entire graph.
At the end, the final maximum and
minimum angles are approximately 90% of
the initial values.
Figure 5: The graph drops below θ=0 to
approximately −0.2θm, then rises to just
above θ=0, then follows a path along the x-
axis.

As the dampening increase over time the wave weakens over time and thus the least
damping to most damping is 4, 2, 3, 5.
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 9

A transverse wave travels 4.74 m to the right in 3.16 s. As it passes an element of the
medium, the change in height of the medium is 29.4 cm. The medium takes 3.30 s to return
to the maximum height as the wave passes it.

Part 1)
What is the speed of the wave?

distance
𝑣𝑣 =
time
4.74
=
3.16
= 1.50 m/s

Part 2)
Write down an equation to describe the wave if at t = 7.00 s the element of the string at x =
4.36 m is 7.58 cm below its equilibrium position.

𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 𝐴𝐴 sin(𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙)

0.294
𝐴𝐴 =
2
= 0.147 m

2𝜋𝜋
𝑘𝑘 =
𝜆𝜆
2𝜋𝜋
=
𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣
2𝜋𝜋
=
1.5 × 3.3
= 1.27

2𝜋𝜋
𝜔𝜔 =
𝑇𝑇
2𝜋𝜋
=
3.3
= 1.9

𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 0.147 sin(1.27𝑥𝑥 − 1.9𝑡𝑡 + 𝜙𝜙)

−0.0758 = 0.147 sin(1.27 × 4.36 − 1.9 × 7 + 𝜙𝜙)
−0.0758
𝜙𝜙 = sin−1 � � + 1.9 × 7 − 1.27 × 4.36
0.147
= 7.25

∴ 𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 0.147 sin(1.27𝑥𝑥 − 1.9𝑡𝑡 + 7.25)

Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Part 3)
What is the speed of the element of string in Part 2?

𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 0.147 sin(1.27𝑥𝑥 − 1.9𝑡𝑡 + 7.25)

𝑣𝑣(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = −0.147 × 1.9 cos(1.27𝑥𝑥 − 1.9𝑡𝑡 + 7.25)
= −0.147 × 1.9 cos(1.27 × 4.36 − 1.9 × 7 + 7.25)
= −0.24 m s−1

Since speed is a scalar quantity, it is positive and thus the answer is 0.24 m s-1.
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 10

Two ropes with different thicknesses made from the same material are connected as shown
in Figure 1.

The radius of the thin rope is half the radius of the thick rope.

Figure 1: A thick rope on the left joined to a thin rope on the right.

Part 1)
The pulse illustrated in Figure 2 is sent through the thick rope.

Figure 2: A triangular pulse travelling to the right along the top of the thick rope. The right-
hand side of the pulse is steeper than the left-hand side.

Which diagram best illustrates the pulse reflected from the boundary?

Figure 3: A triangular pulse travelling to the Figure 4: A triangular pulse travelling to the
left along the top of the thick rope. The left- left along the bottom of the thick rope. The
hand side of the pulse is steeper than the left-hand side of the pulse is steeper than
right-hand side. the right-hand side.

Figure 5: A triangular pulse travelling to the Figure 6: A triangular pulse travelling to the
left along the top of the thick rope. The left along the bottom of the thick rope. The
right-hand side of the pulse is steeper than right-hand side of the pulse is steeper than
the left-hand side. the left-hand side.

Answer is Figure 3.
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Part 2)
Which diagram best illustrates the pulse transmitted at the boundary?

Figure 7: A long triangular pulse travelling Figure 8: A short triangular pulse travelling
to the right along the top of the thin rope. to the right along the top of the thin rope.
The right-hand side of the pulse is steeper The right-hand side of the pulse is steeper
than the left-hand side. than the left-hand side.

Figure 9: A long triangular pulse travelling

to the right along the bottom of the thin
rope. The right-hand side of the pulse is
steeper than the left-hand side.
Figure 10: A short triangular pulse travelling
to the right along the bottom of the thin
rope. The right-hand side of the pulse is
steeper than the left-hand side.

Answer is Figure 7.

Part 3)
The pulse travels along the first rope with a speed of v1 = 4.08 m/s. What is its speed in the
second rope?

???

Part 4)
If the wavelength of the pulse in the thick rope is 0.501 m, what is the wavelength in the
thin rope?

𝑣𝑣 = 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
𝑣𝑣
𝑓𝑓 =
𝜆𝜆
=
???
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 11

A transverse wave with wavelength 2.61 m, speed 7.97 ms−1 and amplitude 0.280 m travels
to the left along a string. At t = 7.04 s a piece of string at x = 0.216 m has a height 0.0570 m
above the equilibrium position.

Part 1)
What is the wave number k for the wave?

2𝜋𝜋
𝑘𝑘 =
𝜆𝜆
2𝜋𝜋
=
2.61
= 2.41 rad m−1

Part 2)
Write down an equation to describe this wave.

𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 𝐴𝐴 sin(𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 + 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜙𝜙)

𝐴𝐴 = 0.280 m
𝑘𝑘 = 2.41 rad m−1

𝜔𝜔 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
=
𝜆𝜆
2 × 𝜋𝜋 × 7.97
=
2.61
= 19.2

𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 0.280 sin(2.41𝑥𝑥 + 19.2𝑡𝑡 + 𝜙𝜙)

0.0570 = 0.280 sin(2.41 × 0.216 + 19.2 × 7.04 + 𝜙𝜙)
0.0570
sin(2.41 × 0.216 + 19.2 × 7.04 + 𝜙𝜙) =
0.280
0.0570
2.41 × 0.216 + 19.2 × 7.04 + 𝜙𝜙 = sin−1 � �
0.280
0.0570
𝜙𝜙 = sin−1 � � − 2.41 × 0.216 − 19.2 × 7.04
0.280
= −135

∴ 𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 0.280 sin(2.41𝑥𝑥 + 19.2𝑡𝑡 − 135)

Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Part 3)
What is the velocity of the piece of string at t = 7.04 s and x = 0.216 m?

𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 0.280 sin(2.41𝑥𝑥 + 19.2𝑡𝑡 − 135)

𝑣𝑣(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 0.280 × 19.2 cos(2.41𝑥𝑥 + 19.2𝑡𝑡 − 135)
= 0.280 × 19.2 cos(2.41 × 0.216 + 19.2 × 7.04 − 135)
=

Answer is 5.26
???
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 12

A thin rope with a density 492 g/m is joined to a thick rope with a density 937 g/m as in
Figure 1.

Figure 1: A thin rope on the left joined to a thick rope on the right.

Part 1)
The pulse shown in Figure 2 is sent along the first rope.

Figure 2: A triangular pulse travelling to the right along the top of the thin rope. The right-
hand side of the pulse is steeper than the left-hand side.

What will the reflected pulse look like in this rope?

Figure 4: A triangular pulse travelling to the

Figure 3: A triangular pulse travelling to the
left on top of the thin rope. The left-hand
left underneath the thin rope. The left-hand
side of the pulse is less steep than the right-
side of the pulse is less steep than the right-
hand side.
hand side.

Figure 6: A triangular pulse travelling to the

Figure 5: A triangular pulse travelling to the left on top of the thin rope. The right-hand
left underneath the thin rope. The right- side of the pulse is less steep than the left-
hand side of the pulse is less steep than the hand side.
left-hand side.

Answer is Figure 5.
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Part 2)
Which diagram best represents the transmitted wave?

Figure 8: A triangular pulse—shorter than

Figure 7: A triangular pulse—shorter than
the one shown in Part 1—travelling to the
right along the top of the thick rope. The
left-hand side of the pulse is less steep than
the right-hand side. The pulse has a short
wavelength relative to Figures 8 and 10.
the one shown in Part 1—travelling to the
right along the top of the thick rope. The
left-hand side of the pulse is less steep than
the right-hand side. The pulse has a long
wavelength relative to Figures 7 and 9.

Figure 10: A triangular pulse—taller than

Figure 9: A triangular pulse—taller than the
the one shown in Part 1—travelling to the
one shown in Part 1—travelling to the right
along the top of the thick rope. The left- right along the top of the thick rope. The
hand side of the pulse is less steep than the left-hand side of the pulse is less steep than
the right-hand side. The pulse has a long
right-hand side. The pulse has a short
wavelength relative to Figures 7 and 9.
wavelength relative to Figures 8 and 10.

Answer is Figure 7.

Part 3)
A wave is sent along the first rope transmitting a power of 16.1 W. It has a wavelength of
7.19 cm and velocity of 12.13 m/s. The linear density of the rope is 492 g/m. What is the
amplitude of the wave?

1
𝑃𝑃 = 𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜔𝜔2 𝐴𝐴2
2
2𝑃𝑃
𝐴𝐴 = �
𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜔𝜔 2

𝜔𝜔 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
=
𝜆𝜆
= 2 × 𝜋𝜋 × 12.13 ÷ 0.0719
= 1060

2 × 16.1
𝐴𝐴 = �
0.492 × 12.13 × 10602
= 0.00219 m
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Part 4)
The linear density of the thick rope is 937 g/m. What is the wavelength of the wave in the
previous part when it enters the thick rope?

𝑣𝑣 = 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
𝑣𝑣
𝜆𝜆 =
𝑓𝑓
√𝑇𝑇
𝜆𝜆 =
𝑓𝑓√𝜇𝜇
𝑇𝑇
Since 𝑣𝑣 = � .
𝜇𝜇

Since T and f are the same in the two ropes.

√𝑇𝑇
𝜆𝜆1 𝑓𝑓√𝜇𝜇1
=
𝜆𝜆2 √𝑇𝑇
𝑓𝑓√𝜇𝜇2
𝜆𝜆1 𝜇𝜇2
=�
𝜆𝜆2 𝜇𝜇1

𝜇𝜇2
𝜆𝜆1 = 𝜆𝜆2 �
𝜇𝜇1

492
= 7.19 × �
937
= 5.21 cm
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 13

A physical pendulum is set up by pivoting a rod with evenly distributed mass about one end
as shown in Figure 1.

The rod has length L = 0.562 m and a mass of m = 1.03 kg.

Figure 1: A pendulum consisting of a rod of length L. The top of the rod is attached to a pivot
point.

Part 1)
In order to calculate the period of this pendulum, you will need to work out the moment of
inertia about the pivot point. The moment of inertia is given by 𝐼𝐼 = ∫ 𝑟𝑟 2 dm. If we define x
as the vertical distance from the pivot point and consider an increment with length dx as
shown in Figure 2, then 𝐼𝐼 = ∫ 𝑥𝑥 2 dm.

Figure 2: The previously-described pendulum suspended from a pivot point at the top. The
vector x is pointing down and an incremental change in x is defined as dx.

Give an expression for dm in terms of dx, evaluate as many of the variables as you can.

𝑚𝑚
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐿𝐿
= 1.03 ÷ 0.562 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 1.83 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Part 2)
What is the period when this rod swings with small angles about this pivot point?

𝐼𝐼
𝑇𝑇 = 2𝜋𝜋�
𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚ℎ

𝐿𝐿
𝑚𝑚
𝐼𝐼 = � 𝑥𝑥 2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
0 𝐿𝐿
𝑚𝑚 𝐿𝐿
= � 𝑥𝑥 2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐿𝐿 0
𝐿𝐿
𝑚𝑚 𝑥𝑥 3
= � �
𝐿𝐿 3 0
𝑚𝑚𝐿𝐿3
=
3𝐿𝐿
𝑚𝑚𝐿𝐿2
=
3

𝐿𝐿
ℎ=
2

2L
𝑇𝑇 = 2𝜋𝜋�
3𝑔𝑔

2 × 0.562
= 2 × 𝜋𝜋�
3 × 9.8
= 1.23 N
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Part 3)
If the rod is released from rest at an angle of 10° to the vertical (Figure 3), what is the
maximum kinetic energy of the rod as it swings?

𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿
ℎ= − cos(10)
2 2
0.562 0.562
= − cos(10)
2 2
= 0.0427 m

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 = 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃
= 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚ℎ
= 1.03 × 9.8 × 0.0427
= 0.431 J
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 14

When a mass of m = 116 kg is hung on the apparatus shown in Figure 1, 9 loops are
observed. The length of the rope between the oscillator and pulley is L = 2.33 m. The pulley
has negligible mass.

Figure 1: A mass, m, hanging from a sinusoidal oscillator via a pulley of negligible mass.

Part 1)
What is the wavelength of the standing wave established on the rope in this case?

Each loop is half a wavelength.

2.33
𝜆𝜆 =
9÷2
= 0.518 m

Part 2)
Mass is added onto the mass carrier until another resonance is observed. The frequency of
the oscillator is not changed. What is the new wavelength? (Note: no resonances are
observed between the resonance in Part 1 and this one.)

As you add mass, the loops stretch out. The next resonance will occur when the length of
the rope contains one less loop.
2.33
𝜆𝜆new =
8÷2
= 0.583 m
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Part 3)
How much mass needs to be added in order to observe the resonance in Part 2?

𝑣𝑣 = 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
=�
𝜇𝜇

Since 𝑓𝑓 and 𝜇𝜇 are the same.

𝜆𝜆21 𝑚𝑚1
2 =
𝜆𝜆2 𝑚𝑚1 + ∆𝑚𝑚
𝜆𝜆22 𝑚𝑚1 + ∆𝑚𝑚
=
𝜆𝜆21 𝑚𝑚1
2
𝜆𝜆2 𝑚𝑚1
∆𝑚𝑚 = 2 − 𝑚𝑚1
𝜆𝜆1
0.5832 × 116
= − 116
0.5182
= 30.8 kg
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 15

A transverse wave moves along a string. It is given by the following equation:

𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 9.10 sin(1.22𝑥𝑥 − 636𝑡𝑡 + 2.11) cm
where x is in m and t is in s.

Part 1)
What is the wavelength of this wave?

2𝜋𝜋
𝑘𝑘 =
𝜆𝜆
2𝜋𝜋
𝜆𝜆 =
𝑘𝑘
2𝜋𝜋
=
1.22
= 5.15 m

Part 2)
Write down an equation to describe the displacement of the string at x = 3.24 m.

𝑦𝑦(𝑡𝑡) = 9.10 sin(1.22 × 3.24 − 636𝑡𝑡 + 2.11)

= 0.0910 sin(6.06 − 636𝑡𝑡) m

Part 3)
At x = 3.24 m, what is the maximum velocity of this piece of string at any time?

𝑣𝑣 (𝑡𝑡) = −0.0910 × 636 cos(6.06 − 636𝑡𝑡)

= −57.9 cos(6.06 − 636𝑡𝑡) m

∴ 𝑣𝑣max = 57.9 m/s

Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 16

A thin rope with a linear density of 2.46 g/m is attached to a thick rope with a linear density
12.72 g/m. They support a 7.30 kg mass which is suspended from a massless pulley at the
end of the thick rope (Figure 1). A sinusoidal pulse with amplitude 9.10 cm is sent along the
thin rope.

Figure 1: Diagrammatic representation of a thin rope attached to a thick rope. A mass is

connected to the thick rope and is suspended from a massless pulley.

Part 1)
What is the speed of the pulse along the thin rope?

𝑇𝑇
𝑣𝑣 = �
𝜇𝜇

𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
=�
𝜇𝜇

7.3 × 9.8
=�
2.46 ÷ 1000
= 171 m/s
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Part 2)
Half the power is transmitted and half is reflected at the boundary of the thin and thick
ropes.

What is the amplitude of the reflected pulse?

1
𝑃𝑃 = 𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜔𝜔2 𝐴𝐴2
2

2𝑃𝑃𝑟𝑟 = 𝑃𝑃𝑡𝑡
1
𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜔𝜔2 𝐴𝐴2𝑟𝑟 = 𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜔𝜔2 𝐴𝐴2𝑡𝑡
2
1
𝐴𝐴2𝑟𝑟 = 𝐴𝐴2𝑡𝑡
2
𝐴𝐴2𝑡𝑡
𝐴𝐴𝑟𝑟 = �
2

9.12
= �
2
= 6.43 cm

Note 𝜇𝜇, 𝑣𝑣, 𝜇𝜇 are the same for both waves.

Part 3)
What is the amplitude of the transmitted pulse?

1
𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜔𝜔2 𝐴𝐴2 = 𝜇𝜇𝑡𝑡 𝑣𝑣𝑡𝑡 𝜔𝜔2 𝐴𝐴2𝑡𝑡
2

𝑇𝑇
𝑣𝑣𝑡𝑡 = �
𝜇𝜇

𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
=�
𝜇𝜇

7.3 × 9.8
=�
12.72 ÷ 1000
= 75.0 m/s
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇𝐴𝐴2
𝐴𝐴2𝑡𝑡 =
2𝜇𝜇𝑡𝑡 𝑣𝑣𝑡𝑡
𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇𝐴𝐴2
=�
2𝜇𝜇𝑡𝑡 𝑣𝑣𝑡𝑡

2.46 × 171 × 9.12

=�
2 × 12.72 × 75
= 4.27 cm
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 17

A frequency generator that oscillates up and down sinusoidally is used to set up a standing
wave in a string. The equation for the travelling wave generated by the oscillator is given by:
𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 2.81 sin(8.19𝑥𝑥 − 515𝑡𝑡) cm
Where x is in m and t is in s.

Part 1)
This travelling wave is reflected from the other end of the string without any loss in
amplitude. Write an equation to describe the standing wave in the string.

Equation of reflected wave:

𝑦𝑦(𝑥𝑥, 𝑡𝑡) = 2.81 sin(8.19𝑥𝑥 + 515𝑡𝑡) cm

𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑦𝑦2 = 2.81 sin(8.19𝑥𝑥 + 515𝑡𝑡) + 2.81 sin(8.19𝑥𝑥 − 515𝑡𝑡)

= 2.81(sin(8.19𝑥𝑥 + 515𝑡𝑡) + sin(8.19𝑥𝑥 − 515𝑡𝑡))
8.19𝑥𝑥 + 515𝑡𝑡 + 8.19𝑥𝑥 − 515𝑡𝑡 8.19𝑥𝑥 + 515𝑡𝑡 − 8.19𝑥𝑥 + 515𝑡𝑡
= 2.81 �2 sin � � cos � ��
2 2
= 5.62 sin(8.19𝑥𝑥 ) cos(515𝑡𝑡) cm

Part 2)
The string has length of 2.69 m. How many anti-nodes?

2𝜋𝜋
𝑘𝑘 =
𝜆𝜆
2𝜋𝜋
𝜆𝜆 =
𝑘𝑘
2𝜋𝜋
=
8.19
= 0.767 m

2𝑙𝑙
𝑛𝑛 =
𝜆𝜆
2 × 2.69 × 8.19
=
2𝜋𝜋
= 7 anti-nodes

Part 3)
If everything else remained the same, what length of string would be needed for the twelfth
harmonic?

12th harmonic has 12 loops, where each loop is half a wavelength.

12 2𝜋𝜋
length = ×
2 8.19
= 4.60 m
Leighton Fan – Quiz 8

Question 18