Phys 20 Workbook - Unit 6

Physics 20 Workbook Unit 6: SHM and Waves
PHYSICS 20
UNIT 6:
HARMONIC MOTION
MECHANICAL WAVES
p.147
UNIT 6: HARMONIC MOTION and MECHANICAL WAVES

LESSON 1: KINEMATICS AND DYNAMICS OF SHM
Waves and Vibration

Energy can be transferred from one place to another by a moving object, such as when a ball is
thrown from one baseball player to another. However, there is a way to transfer the energy without the
object moving from the source to the receiver - by means of a wave.
Wave = a transfer of energy, not matter, from a source to a receiver

= a travelling "disturbance" in a medium
(the medium is the material that the wave travels through)
- there are two types of waves:

1. Mechanical waves
- waves that travel through matter
- the matter is disturbed (vibrated), but it does not move with the wave
e.g. spring, water, dominoes, sound, earthquakes
2. Electromagnetic Waves (studied in Physics 30)
- waves that can travel through a vacuum (no medium is required)
e.g. light, ultraviolet, X-rays
Source Vibration
Vibrations = source of all waves e.g. Sound - vibrating guitar string or vocal chord
Water - dropped rock or ocean floor
The source vibration determines two qualities of a wave:

 the initial energy of a wave (which is then transferred through the medium)
 the frequency of the wave
frequency of source = frequency of wave produced
Once the wave is created, the frequency of the wave will never change
- even if there is friction, a change in medium , etc.

- assuming that the source and the receiver are stationary
(i.e. no Doppler effect)
p.148
Mathematics of Periodic Motion

A vibration is an example of periodic motion, which is a motion that repeats itself over and over
again. Most vibrations are usually so fast that they are hard to observe or analyze. However, the motion
of a pendulum and the motion of a mass hung on a vertical spring are much slower and much easier to
analyze.
Cycle and Amplitude
1 Cycle - 1 repetition (oscillation) of the periodic motion
Amplitude - the distance from the equilibrium (rest) position to the maximum displacement
- this represents the energy of a vibration
A Rest
Equilibrium Position
A
A A
1 cycle
1 cycle (there and back)
Frequency of vibration (f):
- the number of cycles (oscillations, repetitions) in one second
total # of cycles cycle 1

f Units: Hertz (Hz) where 1 Hz = 1 =
total time s s
Period of vibration (T)

- the time it takes for one cycle (repetition)
total time
T Units: Seconds (s)
total # of cycles
Frequency and Period:

1
- both are reciprocals of each other f
T
p.149
Simple Harmonic Motion

Simple harmonic motion occurs when a perfectly elastic material undergoes vibration and the
 
amplitude remains constant. The elastic material must obey Hooke’s law ( Fs  k x ) for springs.
Specifically, the restoring (spring) force must always be proportional to the displacement and it must
always be in the opposite direction to the displacement.
Kinematics and Dynamics of Horizontal Mass-Spring Systems

Consider a mass m attached to a horizontal spring that slides on a frictionless surface:
Maximum Acceleration
  
   Fnet Fs k x
Fnet  m a a  
m m m
Example. A 350 g cart is attached to a spring and undergoes horizontal SHM with a maximum
acceleration of 680 cm/s2. If the minimum length of the spring is 14.2 cm and the
maximum length is 27.4 cm, determine the spring constant.
p.150
Kinematics and Dynamics of Vertical Mass-Spring Systems
Consider a mass m that is attached to a vertical spring and hangs suspended,

stretching the spring a distance x.
Newton’s 1st Law: Fs  Fg
k xmg
A force is then applied to cause the system to undergo vertical SHM:
Fs
Max rest v = 0, a = max
Compression
Fs x Fg Fs
v v
Equilibrium v = max, a = 0
Fs Fs
x Fg Fg x
Max rest rest v = 0, a = max
Extension
Fg Fg
It can be shown that the maximum acceleration formula k x

amax 
is the same as the one for horizontal SHM. m
Example. A vertical spring has a rest length of 30.0 cm. When a 200 g mass is attached and hangs
suspended, the spring has a new length of 38.5 cm. If it then undergoes SHM with a
maximum acceleration of 29 m/s2, determine the maximum length of the spring.
p.151
HOMEWORK (Vibrations, Simple Harmonic Motion for Horizontal Springs)

A. 1. An oscillator completes 240 cycles in 5.2 minutes.
Calculate its period (in seconds) and frequency (in Hz).
2. An oscillator vibrates at a frequency of 3.60 kHz.

a) What is its period? b) How many cycles will it make in 2.00 hours?
3. In SHM, the 240 g mass experiences a maximum acceleration of 72.0 m/s2. If the spring
constant is 29.0 N/m, then determine the maximum amplitude of oscillation. Answer in cm.
4. In SHM, a mass experiences a maximum acceleration of 14.0 m/s2 when the amplitude is
17.0 cm. If the spring constant is 40.0 N/m, then determine the mass. Answer in grams.
5. A 1.9 kg mass is attached to a spring with a rest length of 150.0 cm. When this system is hung
vertically, the spring is stretched to a length of 178.0 cm. If this same mass-spring system
undergoes vertical SHM, what is its acceleration when the maximum amplitude is 88.0 cm?
B. 6. A circular saw rotates with a period of 2.60 milliseconds.

How fast is it rotating in rpm (revolutions per minute)?
p.152
7. When a mass-spring system undergoes SHM, the maximum length of the spring is 67 cm and
its minimum length is 41 cm. Determine the amplitude of oscillation.
8. In horizontal SHM, a 610 g mass experiences a net force of 15.0 N when its
maximum amplitude is 18.0 cm. If the mass was then removed from the spring, how much
force would be required to compress this same spring 20.0 cm from its rest length?
9. A spring with a rest length of 80.0 cm has a 2.70 kg mass attached to it and then undergoes
vertical SHM. If this system experiences a maximum acceleration of 19.0 m/s2, and the spring
constant is 110 N/m, then determine the minimum length the spring achieves (in cm).
SOLUTIONS
1. T = 1.3 s ; f = 0.77 Hz 2. a) 2.78  104 s b) 2.59  107 cycles
3. 0.596 m = 59.6 cm 4. 0.486 kg = 486 g
5. Stretching: x = 28.0 cm = 0.280 m ; Using k = 66.57 N/m ; SHM: a = 30.8 m/s2
6. f = 384.62 Hz ; In 60 s, it would make 2.3  10 cycles
4
7. 13 cm
2
8. SHM: max a = 24.59 m/s ; k = 83.33 N/m ; Compression: Fs = 16.7 N
9. A = x = 46.6 cm ; x = 24.1 cm ; Min length = L + x  x = 57.5 cm
p.153
LESSON 2: PERIOD OF SHM

In order to determine the period of a mass attached to a horizontal spring, physicists were able to
show that the periodic motion of the mass is equivalent to the horizontal motion of a mass going
around in uniform circular motion, where the radius of the circle is equal to the displacement from
equilibrium (x). This is illustrated in the diagram below:
At positions 1 and 3, the maximum acceleration of the mass is the same as the centripetal
acceleration of the object in uniform circular motion (where x = r).
4 2 r k x 4 2 r k r
ac  a mass  
T2 m T2 m
This can be rearranged as
m
T  2 where m is the mass that is attached to a spring with a constant k
k
T is the period of oscillation for the SHM
Example. A 5.70 kg cart is attached to a spring and undergoes horizontal SHM. If it oscillates
at 2.61 Hz, determine the stiffness of the spring.
p.154
HOMEWORK (Period of Simple Harmonic Motion)

A. 1. A 650 g mass is attached to a spring with a spring constant of 80.0 N/m. If it undergoes SHM,
then determine the frequency of oscillation.
2 A 7.30 kg mass is attached to a spring, and when it goes into SHM, its period of oscillation is
440 milliseconds. Determine its spring constant.
3 When a spring with a stiffness of 28 N/m undergoes SHM, it makes 10 oscillations

in 15 seconds. What is the mass?
Both A and B
4. Determine what happens to the period of oscillation when:
a) the mass is decreased
b) the mass is multiplied by 9
c) the spring constant is increased
d) the spring constant is quartered ( ¼)
p.155
B. 5. When a 30.0 cm long spring has a 170 g mass attached to it, it stretches to a length of 41.0 cm.
If this same mass-spring system undergoes vertical SHM, then determine how many
oscillations it makes in 2.00 minutes.
6. When a spring with a stiffness of 60 N/m undergoes SHM, it oscillates at a frequency

of 2.8 Hz. What is the weight of the object attached to the spring?
7. When a spring has a 400 g mass attached to it and undergoes vertical SHM, its acceleration
is 59.0 m/s2 at a maximum amplitude of 36.0 cm. How much time would it take this system
to make 190 oscillations?
SOLUTIONS
1. T = 0.566 s ; f = 1.77 Hz 2. 1.49  103 N/m 3. T = 1.5 s ; m = 1.6 kg
4. a) T decreases b) T  3 c) T decreases d) T  2
5. Stretched spring: x = 0.11 m ; k = 15.16 N/m ; SHM: T = 0.6653 s ; # = 180 oscillations
6. T = 0.357 s ; m = 0.194 kg ; Fg = 1.9 N 7. k = 65.56 N/m ; T = 0.491 s ; t = 93.3 s
p.156
LESSON 3: ENERGETICS OF SHM
Conservation of Energy: (where xmax = A)

Max Eps = Max Ek 2
0.5k x max  0.5m v max
2
0.5k A 2  0.5m v max
2
k
which leads to v max  A where A is the amplitude of the SHM (in m)
m
Note: The formula is the same for vertical SHM.
Example. A mass is attached to a spring with a stiffness of 6.10 N/m. It then undergoes vertical
SHM, completing 14.0 cycles in 19.5 s. If its maximum speed is 7.70 m/s, determine
the amplitude.
p.157
HOMEWORK (Energetics of SHM)

A. 1. A 550 g mass is attached to a spring with a spring constant of 180 N/m. When it undergoes
horizontal SHM, the maximum speed of the mass is 26.0 m/s. Determine:
a) the amplitude of oscillation
b) the maximum elastic potential energy stored in the spring
2. A 1.6 N weight is attached to a spring with a spring constant of 30 N/m. When it undergoes
SHM, the amplitude of oscillation is 19 cm. Determine its maximum kinetic energy.
3. A 160 g mass is attached to a spring and undergoes SHM with an amplitude of 8.5 cm.
If it makes 20 oscillations in 53 seconds, then determine the maximum speed of the mass.
p.158
4. When a mass-spring system undergoes horizontal SHM, the minimum length of the spring
is 28.4 cm and the maximum length of the spring is 50.7 cm. If the spring constant is 180 N/m
and the maximum speed of the mass is 6.40 m/s, then determine the mass.
B. 5. A 275 g mass is attached to a spring and it undergoes SHM. If the amplitude of oscillation
is 14.0 cm and the maximum kinetic energy of the mass is 92.0 J, then determine its stiffness.
6. A mass is attached to a spring with a stiffness of 120 N/m and undergoes horizontal SHM
with an amplitude of 25 cm. If the maximum speed of the mass is 4.1 m/s, then determine
the magnitude of the mass’s acceleration when it comes to rest.
p.159
7. A 350 g mass is attached to a spring and undergoes SHM with an amplitude of 17.0 cm.
If the maximum kinetic energy of the mass is 2.80 J, then determine the frequency
of oscillation.
8. A 600 g mass is attached to a spring with a stiffness of 70 N/m and it undergoes vertical
SHM. The maximum kinetic energy of the mass is 20.0 J. If the rest length of the spring
is 90.0 cm, then determine its maximum length during SHM.
SOLUTIONS
1. a) 1.44 m b) 186 J 2. m = 0.163 kg ; vmax = 2.577 m/s ; Max Ek = 0.54 J
3. T = 2.65 s ; k = 0.899 N/m ; vmax = 0.20 m/s 4. A = x = 11.15 cm ; m = 54.6 g
5. vmax = 25.867 m/s ; k = 9.39  103 N/m 6. m = 0.446 kg ; x = A = 0.25 m ; amax = 67 m/s2
7. vmax = 4.0 m/s ; k = 193.77 N/m ; T = 0.267 s ; f = 3.74 Hz
8. x = 0.084 m ; vmax = 8.165 m/s ; A = 0.756 m ; Max length = Rest L + x + A = 1.74 m
p.160
LESSON 4: PENDULUM MOTION AS SHM
Period of a Pendulum
If the angle of deflection ( ) remains less than 15,
a pendulum’s motion is approximately SHM.
L
T  2 where L is the length from the axis to the centre of the mass (in m)
g
Example. Determine length of pendulum in classroom. Sources of error?
Energetics of Pendulum Motion
Using Conservation of Energy:
Epg at max height = Ek at equilibrium position
Example. On a different planet, a 2.7 m long

pendulum oscillates, making 16 cycles
in 42 s. If the bob’s max height is 130 cm
(above equil.), determine its max speed.
p.161
HOMEWORK (Pendulums)
A. 1 How long (in cm) is a clock pendulum so that it oscillates with a period of 1.0 s?
2. How much time (in minutes) will it take a 3.80 m long pendulum to make 600 oscillations?
3. The bob (mass) on a 2.90 m long pendulum reaches a maximum height of 1.10 m (above the
equilibrium position). Determine its maximum speed.
4. The bob on a 62 cm long pendulum reaches a maximum speed of 1.3 m/s. If this pendulum
is on the Moon, which has 1/6 of Earth’s gravity, then determine the maximum height
reached by the bob (relative to the equilibrium position). Answer in cm.
Both A and B
5. For a pendulum going through SHM, determine the effect on the period of oscillation if:
a) the length of the pendulum is 4 times longer
b) the mass of the pendulum bob is doubled
c) the gravitational field strength is multiplied by 9
p.162
B. 6. On Planet X, a 46 cm pendulum makes 12 oscillations (cycles) in 18.4 seconds.

What is the acceleration due to gravity on this planet?
7. A pendulum oscillates at a frequency of 0.16 Hz. What is its length?
8. An 85 cm long pendulum reaches a maximum amplitude

when the angle of deviation is 14 relative to the vertical.
If the mass of the bob is 30 kg, then determine its
14
maximum kinetic energy. 85 cm
hmax
p.163
9. On a different planet, the bob on a huge pendulum reaches a maximum height (above
the equilibrium position) of 3.5 m and a maximum speed of 8.6 m/s. If this pendulum makes
15 oscillations in 22.6 s, then determine the length of the pendulum. Answer in cm.
10. On a different planet, a 42 cm long pendulum has a frequency of oscillation of 0.68 Hz.
If the maximum height (above the equilibrium position) of the bob is 15 cm, then determine
the maximum speed that it reaches.
SOLUTIONS
1. 25 cm 2. T = 3.9105 s ; 600 cycles would take 2.35  103 s = 39.1 min
3. 4.65 m/s 4. g = 1.635 m/s2 ; hmax = 0.52 m = 52 cm
5. a) T  2 b) Mass has no effect on period c) T × 1/3
6. T = 1.5333 s ; g = 7.72 m/s2 7. T = 6.25 s ; L = 9.7 m
8. hmax = 85  85 cos 14 = 2.5249 cm ; max Ek = max Epg = 7.4 J
9. g = 10.566 m/s2 ; T = 1.5067 s ; L = 61 cm 10. T = 1.47 s ; g = 7.667 m/s2 ; vmax = 1.5 m/s
p.164
LESSON 5: MECHANICAL WAVES and UNIVERSAL WAVE EQUATION
A mechanical wave requires a medium to travel through. When there is a regular source vibration,
the energy created travels through the medium in the form of a wave train, causing the particles to
move in SHM.
There are two types of mechanical waves:
1. Transverse Waves (Ideal)

Transverse waves occur when the source vibration is perpendicular to the wave motion.

Crest
Equilibrium
A
Source Trough
Vibration
wave motion
where A is the amplitude (energy) of the wave

 is the wavelength, which is the length of one cycle
Motion of Particles in a Transverse Wave

In a continuous transverse wave, particles move in a direction perpendicular to the wave motion in
SHM.
wave motion
Source
Vibration
- particles that are one wavelength apart will move identically (i.e. they are in phase)
p.165
Longitudinal Waves (Ideal)

Longitudinal waves occur when the source vibration (and thus, the particles) moves parallel to the
direction of the wave motion.
C R C R C R C R
Source
Vibration
 wave motion
where C is a region of compression (high density)
R is a region of rarefaction (low density)
 is the wavelength, which is the distance between successive C regions
Note: Sound Waves

A sound wave is a common example of a longitudinal wave. Although it is most realistically
represented with a longitudinal wave diagram, it is often more useful to represent it using an equivalent
transverse wave.
C R C R C
Air column
source vibration
Crest Crest
Equivalent transverse wave
Trough
Note:
 Due to friction, waves will lose their energy
- transverse waves lose their amplitude,
while longitudinal waves lose their density
- however, the frequency will never change
 Surface waves (e.g. water waves) are circular waves,

which are both transverse and longitudinal
- this is shown in the diagram on the right
p.166
Speed of a Wave
If the medium doesn't change, the speed of a wave is constant
You can change the speed of a wave only by changing the medium (e.g. stretching the spring,
different depths of water, etc.). Frequency and amplitude of source vibration have no effect.
Universal Wave Equation
v = f  where f is the frequency of the source vibration (in Hz)

 is the wavelength of the wave created (in m)
Note: Wavelength and frequency have an inverse relationship

If the source frequency is high, the wavelength is short As long as the medium
If the source frequency is low, the wavelength is long remains constant
Example. If the wave shown can travel 120 m in 4.90 s,

determine the period of the source vibration.
Example. A water wave generator (in SHM) creates 200 oscillations in 19.1 s. It creates a wave
train with 4 successive wave crests over a distance of 3.85 m. Determine the distance
one wave travels in 24.0 minutes.
p.167
HOMEWORK (Universal Wave Equation)

Both A and B
1. A student is to generate wave pulses in a spring. Explain how she can make pulses with:
a) high energy b) long wavelength c) high speed
2. A radio station generates carrier waves with a source frequency of 620 kHz.
If the speed of radio waves is 3.00  108 m/s, then:
a) what is the wavelength of the carrier waves?
b) how far can this wave travel in 4.10 minutes?
3. Consider the wave shown. If the source

vibration of this wave completed 150 cycles 7.5
in 2.80 seconds, then how fast is this d (mm)
wave travelling?
4. A wave can travel through a medium for a distance of 650 m in 44.0 seconds. If the source
vibration has a period of 920 milliseconds, then what is the wavelength?
5. In deep water, a wave has a speed of 53 cm/s and a wavelength of 4.1 cm. When it enters
into shallow water, its wavelength decreases to 1.6 cm. Find the speed of the water wave
in shallow water. (Hint: Which property remains the same?)
B. 6. A source vibration creates waves through a medium with a wavelength of 43.0 m.
If the speed of the wave is 520 km/s, then:
a) what is the source frequency?
b) how much time would it take this wave to travel 800 m?
p.168
7. A source vibration for a sound wave makes 9.8  106 oscillations (cycles) in 3.5 minutes.
If the speed of the sound wave generated is 318.9 m/s, then determine the distance between
2 successive compressions of the sound wave train.
8. There are 5 successive compressions of a sound wave train in a distance of 7.2 cm. If
the sound wave can travel 6.8 km in 20 seconds, determine the source frequency (in kHz).
9. A continuous wave train has 6 wave crests in a distance of 83.0 cm. If the source vibration
complete 14.0 cycles in 10.0 seconds, how far can one of these waves travel in 7.00 minutes?
10. A wave train can travel of 250 km in 1.40 minutes. If the wave train has 4 troughs in 11.0 cm,
then much time (in minutes) does it take the source vibration to create 20.0 million cycles?
11. A wave train moves can travel through 76 cm of a tight spring in 0.23 seconds, and it forms
3 crests in a distance of 24.0 cm. It then enters a loose spring and its speed decreases to
1.1 m/s. What is the wavelength in the loose spring? (Which property remains the same?)
SOLUTIONS
1. a) High amplitude b) Low frequency c) Increase the tension
2. a) 484 m b) 7.38  10 m 10
3.  = 3.75  10 s ; f = 53.571 Hz ; v = 0.20 m/s
 3
4. v = 14.7727 m/s ; f = 1.087 Hz ;  = 13.6 m 5. 21 cm/s

6. a) 1.21  1010 Hz b) 1.54  103 s 7. f = 46,667 Hz ;  = 6.8  103 m
8.  = 0.018 m ; v = 340 m/s ; f = 19 kHz
9.  = 0.166 m ; f = 1.4 Hz ; v = 0.2324 m/s ; d = 97.6 m
10. v = 2976 m/s ;  = 3.67  102 m ; f = 81,168.83 Hz ; t = 246 s = 4.11 minutes
11. v1 = 330.44 cm/s ; 1 = 12.0 cm ; 2 = 4.0 cm
p.169
LESSON 6: WAVE REFLECTION and INTERFERENCE
Wave Reflection Two types:

1. Fixed End (comes back inverted) 2. Free End (comes back upright)
No friction
Application of Wave Reflection: Echolocation

In echolocation, a wave is sent from a transmitter,
bounces off an intended target, and then reflects (echoes) back
to the receiver. To show how to determine the distance,
consider the following example:
Example. If it takes 5.0 s for the wave to travel there and back,
and vsound = 340 m/s, determine d.
Medium to medium
When a wave goes from one medium to another, it experiences a combination of reflection
and transmission. This is illustrated in the following example:
Fast  Slow Incident
pulse
Reflected Transmitted
p.170
Interference
Waves can pass right through each other. However, when they occupy the same position (i.e.
superpose), they interfere with each other
Principle of Superposition
- the resultant displacement of a particle is equal to the sum of its separate displacements
*Include the signs* Positive pulse = Positive displacement
Negative Pulse = Negative displacement
There are two types of interference:

Constructive Interference (both +, both -) Destructive Interference (one +, one -)
- add to a higher amplitude - produce a smaller amplitude
- if equal, they cancel each other
Complex waves are a combination of constructive and destructive interference
p.171
HOMEWORK (Reflection and Interference)

1. When the temperature of the air is 23.0 C, the speed of sound is 344.8 m/s. If it takes a sound
wave 1.80 seconds to hit a distant building and return, then how far away is the building?
2. Radio waves travel at the speed of light (v = c = 3.00  108 m/s). If a plane is 580 km away from
the radar tower, then what would be the total time from transmission to reception.
3. Ultrasound waves are generated with a frequency of 47.5 kHz and when they travel through soft
tissue, they have a wavelength of 3.24 cm. If it takes these waves 160 s to reach the fetus and
return, then how deep is the fetus? Answer in cm.
4. Two waves are superposed in a medium. If the displacement from one wave is 7 units up, while
the resultant displacement is 3 units down, then what is the displacement of the other wave?
5. Sketch the resultant waves for the following:

a) b)
p.172
c)
6. A triangular pulse travels from a loose, heavy spring to a fast, light spring, as shown:
Heavy, slow
P
Sketch the reflected and transmitted pulses after it reaches point P. Describe each briefly.
SOLUTIONS
1. t1-way = 0.90 s ; d = 310 m 2. t1-way = 1.93  103 s ; tT = 3.87  103 s
3. v = 1539 m/s ; t1-way = 80  106 s ; d = 0.123 m = 12.3 cm 4. 10 units down
5. a) b) c)
6.
Reflected: Same v, f,  ; Pulse stays upright ; Opposite direction ; Smaller amplitude

Transmitted: Same f ; v,  increases ; Pulse stays upright ; Same direction ;
Likely, increased amplitude
p.173
LESSON 7: RESONANCE and STANDING WAVES
Characteristics of Sound
Pitch - the frequency of the sound (in Hz)
Loudness - the amplitude (density) of the sound wave, measured in decibels
Quality - the type or nature of the sound wave
Resonance
Each object has one (or more) natural frequency at which it will vibrate. When a periodic force is
applied to an object with the same frequency as its natural frequency (when the force and the vibration
are in phase), the amplitude will increase. This response (the increase in amplitude) is called resonance.
e.g. Pushing a person on a swing, rocking a car to get it out of a rut.
Resonance must be taken into account in the design of bridges, propellers, turbines, etc. If the
amplitude of vibration increases enough, then the structure can be damaged.
Standing Waves
This is a wave pattern that does not appear to move. It is created when two identical wave trains
move toward each other and interfere.
0.5 
Fixed Fixed
end end
Node Antinode
- destructive interference - constructive interference
- zero amplitude - max amplitude
Stringed Instruments
While many objects have only one natural frequency, stretched strings have many. When a string
is plucked, many frequencies are created. The frequencies that match the natural frequency of the string
create standing waves and last (other frequencies interfere randomly and die out). These standing
waves resonate, creating loud (large amplitude) sound. This sound is often amplified by a box (e.g.
guitar) or a surface (e.g. piano).
Note: The natural frequency of a string is affected by thickness / mass (thicker = lower f),
length (longer strings = lower f), and tension (higher tension = higher f).
p.174
Natural Frequencies of a Stretched String (Length L)
Fundamental frequency (n = 1)
- the lowest natural frequency (f1 = f0)
- creates one loop (simplest standing wave)
Second harmonic / octave (n = 2)

- creates 2 loops: L = 2 (0.5 )
f2 = 2 f0
For the nth harmonic (n loops): fn = n f0

L = n (0.5 )
v = fnn
Example. An 85.0 cm stretched string forms a standing wave at the 4th harmonic. If the
wave’s speed is 140 m/s, determine the source frequency.
Example. When the source frequency vibrates at 512 Hz, a stretched string resonates at the
7th harmonic. What is the next resonant frequency?
Example. A 70.0 cm stretched string has a fundamental frequency of 262 Hz. If the string is cut
to 50.0 cm (but the tension remains the same), determine the new fundamental frequency.
p.175
HOMEWORK (Standing Waves)

A. 1. A 72.0 cm long stretched string is resonating at the third harmonic. If the source frequency
is 460 Hz, then what is the speed of the wave? Answer in m/s.
2. The fundamental frequency for a stretched string is 210 Hz. If the speed of wave through the
string (at that frequency) is 180 m/s, then what is the length of the string? Answer in cm.
3. When a stretched string is resonating at the third harmonic, the wavelength is 52 cm.
What would be the wavelength if the same string was resonating at the fourth harmonic?
4. A guitar string has a length of 70.0 cm and a fundamental frequency of 420 Hz. The
guitar player then runs her finger down the string and shortens it to 40.0 cm. If the tension
of the string remains identical, what is the new fundamental frequency?
B. 5. A stretched string resonates at the fifth harmonic when the source frequency is 870 Hz.
What frequency is required for the same string to resonate at the seventh harmonic?
p.176
6. A 77 cm long stretched string is resonating at the fourth harmonic. What is the distance
between the nodes? Answer in cm.
7. The distance between 7 successive nodes is 91 cm. If the speed of the wave through the
stretched string is 130 m/s, then what is the string’s fundamental frequency?
8. An 81 cm long stretched string resonates at the third harmonic when the source frequency
is 620 Hz. This string is then cut, but kept at the same tension. If this new string resonates
at the fourth harmonic when the source frequency is 990 Hz, then what is the new length
of the string? Answer in cm.
SOLUTIONS
1. 3 = 0.48 m ; v = 221 m/s 2. 1 = 0.8571 m ; L = 43 cm
3. n = 3; L = 78 cm ; Length stays the same: 4 = 39 cm
4. 1 = 1.4 m ; v = 588 m/s ; Shortened string: Same speed ; 1 = 0.80 m ; f0 = 735 Hz
5. f0 = 174 Hz ; f7 = 1.22  103 Hz 6. 4 = 38.5 cm; Node-to-node = 19 cm
7. 6 loops (n = 6) ; 6 = 0.30333 m ; f6 = 428.57 Hz ; f0 = 71 Hz
8. String 1: 3 = 54 cm ; v = 334.8 m/s ; String 2: Same speed ; 4 = 0.3382 m ; L = 68 cm
p.177
LESSON 8: AIR COLUMNS

Like strings, air has many natural frequencies. When the source vibration matches a natural
frequency of the air, the air column resonates and makes a louder (higher amplitude) sound.
1. Closed Air Column

This is an air column that is closed on one end, but it is open on the other.
- lowest natural frequency of the air column (f0)
- one 1/2 loop is created
Second harmonic
- two half-loops are created (one full loop)
- this would result in a node on either end
All even harmonics are impossible
Third harmonic (n = 3)
- three half-loops are created
f3 = 3 f0
L = 3 (0.25 )
Summary (Closed air columns)

f = n f0
 only odd harmonics are allowed (n = 1, 3, 5, …) L = n (0.25 )
 At the nth harmonic: v = f n  n (speed of sound)
Example. A 768 Hz tuning fork is held over a closed air column. The speed of sound is 340 m/s.
a) Determine the length of air column for the third harmonic.
b) Determine the next resonant length.
p.178
2. Open Air Column

Most wind instruments are open air columns, which have tubes that are open on both ends.
- lowest natural frequency of the air column (f0)
- two 1/2 loops are created (one full loop)
Second harmonic (n = 2)
- four half-loops are created (2 full loops)
f2 = 2 f0 L = 2 (0.5 )
Summary (Open air columns)

f = n f0
Similar to stretched strings. L = n (0.5 )
At the nth harmonic: v = f n  n (speed of sound)
HOMEWORK (Air columns)

A. 1. A closed air column resonates at the third harmonic when the source frequency is 625 Hz.
What is the next frequency that it resonates at?
2. When a closed air column resonates at the fifth harmonic, the wavelength of the sound wave
is 17 cm. What is the wavelength for the next harmonic of the same air column?
3. A closed air column has a length of 36.0 cm. If the speed of sound is 343.6 m/s, then what
is the lowest frequency to resonate the air column?
p.179
4. A closed air column has a length of 32.5 cm. If it resonates at the fifth harmonic when the
source frequency is 1300 Hz, then what is the speed of sound?
5. An open air column has a length of 1.20 m and the speed of sound is 344.2 m/s.
a) What is the minimum frequency for this air column to resonate?
b) What is the next resonant frequency?
Both A and B
6. Explain why lengthening an air tube (e.g. lengthening a trombone) will lower the pitch.
B. 7. The length of a closed air column is 29 cm. If it is resonating at the 7th harmonic,
then what is the distance between the nodes? Answer in cm.
8. The speed of sound is 342.4 m/s. The source frequency is 256 Hz.
a) What is the minimum length of closed air column to resonate? Answer in cm.
b) What is the next resonant length?
p.180
9. The speed of sound is 345.4 m/s and the length of the closed air column is 31.0 cm.
a) What is the minimum frequency required for this air column to resonate?
b) What is the next resonant frequency?
10. A 37.0 cm long closed air column resonates at a fundamental frequency of 230 Hz.
If the length was then increased to 45.0 cm, then what is the new fundamental frequency?
11. The source frequency is 512 Hz. If the minimum length of open air column to resonate
is 34.0 cm, then find the speed of sound.
12. The speed of sound through an open air column is 347.2 m/s and the source frequency
is 2048 Hz. What is the distance between the nodes? Answer in cm.
SOLUTIONS
1. f0 = 208.33 Hz ; f5 = 1.04  103 Hz 2. L = 21.25 cm ; Length stays the same ; 7 = 12 cm
3. 1 = 1.44 m ; ; f0 = 239 Hz 4. 5 = 0.26 m ; v = 338 m/s
5. 1 = 2.40 m ; v = 344.2 m/s a) f1 = 143 Hz b) f2 = 287 Hz
6. When L ,   (direct relationship) ; When  , f  (inverse relationship)
7. 7 = 0.1657 m ; Node-to-node: 8.3 cm
8. a) 1 = 1.3375 m ; L1 = 33 cm b) Same wavelength ; L3 = 1.0 m
9. a) 1 = 1.24 m ; f1 = 279 Hz b) f3 = 836 Hz
10. 1 = 1.48 m ; v = 340.4 m/s ; Column 2: Same speed ; 1 = 1.80 m ; f1 = 189 Hz
11. 1 = 0.68 m ; v = 348 m/s
12. v = 347.2 m/s ;  = 0.1695 m ; Node-to-node = 8.5 cm
p.181
LESSON 9: 2-D WAVES
Waves from a Stationary Source

When there is a point source vibration, the waves radiate out in all directions. If the source
vibration is regular (i.e. SHM), the wave fronts (which are the crest of the waves) move outward in
concentric circles.
point source
crests
vibration
A wave front is a continuous
troughs crest (or trough).
A ray is the direction that the

ray
wave front is moving, and it is
always perpendicular to the
wave front.

wave front
In this case, the frequency of the waves would be the same in all directions.
Doppler Effect
The frequency of a sound wave can change when the source (or receiver) is moving. This is
illustrated in the diagram below:
motion
Lower apparent frequency Higher apparent frequency

- the source moves away - the source moves towards
from the observer the observer
- waves are further apart - waves are closer together
- less C’s per second - more C’s per second
p.182
To determine the apparent frequency, as heard (measured) by the stationary observer:
 v  vs is  if it is moving towards observer

f A  f s  w 
 vw  vs  vs is + if it is moving away from observer
where fA is the apparent frequency detected by the observer

fs is the actual frequency of the source (if there was no Doppler effect)
vw is the speed of the wave produced
vs is the speed of the source
Example. Ambulance siren: 700 Hz Frequency heard by you (at rest): 748 Hz
Speed of sound in air: 345 m/s
a) Is the ambulance moving towards or away from you?
b) What is the speed of the ambulance (in km/h)?
Shock Waves
v < Mach 1 v = Mach 1 v > Mach 1
p.183
Law of Reflection
When 2-D waves hit a barrier at an angle 
i  r i r
(with respect to the normal), they reflect at the same angle .
Diffraction
When waves go through an opening
(or around a corner), they bend.
Diffraction is greatest when:
- the wavelength is longer
- the size of the opening is smaller
Interference (2-D)
When a wave (i.e. undergoing SHM; a wave of one frequency) passes through two adjacent,
narrow slits, there is diffraction and interference on the opposite side. When a screen is placed beyond
the barrier, we observe bright lines on the screen.
screen
Constructive Interference (bright)
2 crests 2 troughs
Destructive Interference (dim)

crest and trough
Incident
wave trough
front
crest
Maxima - This is a bright line. The difference in the distances from the two slits is a multiple
of the wavelength, so the waves arrive in phase and undergo constructive interference
(i.e. an antinode).
d = n  , where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
Minima - This is a dark region. The difference in the distances from the two slits is a multiple
of 0.5 , so the waves arrive out of phase and undergo destructive interference
(i.e. a node).
d = n (0.5) , where n = 1, 3, ...
p.184
HOMEWORK (Doppler effect, 2-D waves)
Both A and B
1. How is it possible for a bullet moving near Mach 1 to travel through a thin piece of wood
without ever hitting the wood?
2. Why is it uncomfortable to live near an airport that flies supersonic jets?
3. Is it possible to get hit by a bullet before you hear the gun shot?
A. 4. A train whistle has a frequency of 6.50 kHz. The speed of sound is 346 m/s. What is
the apparent frequency if the train is moving at a speed of 86.0 km/h:
a) away from a stationary observer?
b) towards a stationary observer?
5. A train is moving towards a stationary observer at a speed of 60.0 km/h. If the apparent
frequency of the train whistle is 11.0 kHz and the speed of sound is 330 m/s, then
determine the actual frequency of the train whistle.
p.185
B. 6. An ambulance siren has an average frequency of 865 Hz. If you are in a car and driving beside
the ambulance at the same speed, then would the apparent frequency be lower, higher, or the
same as the actual frequency? Explain.
7. A car makes a noise with a frequency of 460 Hz. The speed of the sound wave produced
is 343 m/s. If the apparent frequency heard by the stationary observer is 425 Hz, then:
a) is it moving towards or away from the observer?
b) how fast is the car moving?
8. A train whistle has an actual frequency of 14.0 kHz. When it is moving towards a stationary
observer at a speed of 120 km/h, the apparent frequency increases by 10.0%. Determine the
speed of sound.
SOLUTIONS
1. A bullet near Mach 1 has extremely compressed air (shock wave) in front of it. The air is so
dense that it will hit the wood and shatter it without the bullet ever coming into contact.
2. Supersonic jets create a cone of compressed air that reaches right down to the ground.
When it passes houses near the airport, the shock wave rattles the house and creates a loud bang.
This would be rather irritating to the home owners.
3. It is certainly possible. When bullets travel faster than the speed of sound (supersonic bullets),
they will arrive before you hear the gun fire.
4. vs = 23.889 m/s a) 6.08 kHz b) 6.98 kHz
5. vs = 16.6667 m/s ; fA = 10.4 kHz
6. Same frequency, since the source is not moving towards or away from the observer.
7. a) Away from the observer (since frequency decreases) b) vs = 28.2 m/s
8. vs = 33.333 m/s ; fA = 15.4 kHz ; vw = 367 m/s
p.186
p.187

Phys 20 Workbook - Unit 6

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Phys 20 Workbook - Unit 6

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Physics 20 Workbook Unit 6: SHM and Waves

UNIT 6: HARMONIC MOTION and MECHANICAL WAVES

Waves and Vibration

Wave = a transfer of energy, not matter, from a source to a receiver

- there are two types of waves:

The source vibration determines two qualities of a wave:

frequency of source = frequency of wave produced

- even if there is friction, a change in medium , etc.

Mathematics of Periodic Motion

Cycle and Amplitude

1 Cycle - 1 repetition (oscillation) of the periodic motion

total # of cycles cycle 1

Period of vibration (T)

Frequency and Period:

Simple Harmonic Motion

Kinematics and Dynamics of Horizontal Mass-Spring Systems

Kinematics and Dynamics of Vertical Mass-Spring Systems

Consider a mass m that is attached to a vertical spring and hangs suspended,

A force is then applied to cause the system to undergo vertical SHM:

It can be shown that the maximum acceleration formula k x

HOMEWORK (Vibrations, Simple Harmonic Motion for Horizontal Springs)

2. An oscillator vibrates at a frequency of 3.60 kHz.

B. 6. A circular saw rotates with a period of 2.60 milliseconds.

LESSON 2: PERIOD OF SHM

HOMEWORK (Period of Simple Harmonic Motion)

3 When a spring with a stiffness of 28 N/m undergoes SHM, it makes 10 oscillations

6. When a spring with a stiffness of 60 N/m undergoes SHM, it oscillates at a frequency

LESSON 3: ENERGETICS OF SHM

Conservation of Energy: (where xmax = A)

Note: The formula is the same for vertical SHM.

HOMEWORK (Energetics of SHM)

LESSON 4: PENDULUM MOTION AS SHM

Example. Determine length of pendulum in classroom. Sources of error?

Energetics of Pendulum Motion

Using Conservation of Energy:

Epg at max height = Ek at equilibrium position

Example. On a different planet, a 2.7 m long

B. 6. On Planet X, a 46 cm pendulum makes 12 oscillations (cycles) in 18.4 seconds.

7. A pendulum oscillates at a frequency of 0.16 Hz. What is its length?

8. An 85 cm long pendulum reaches a maximum amplitude

LESSON 5: MECHANICAL WAVES and UNIVERSAL WAVE EQUATION

There are two types of mechanical waves:

1. Transverse Waves (Ideal)

where A is the amplitude (energy) of the wave

Motion of Particles in a Transverse Wave

Longitudinal Waves (Ideal)

Note: Sound Waves

Equivalent transverse wave

 Surface waves (e.g. water waves) are circular waves,

If the medium doesn't change, the speed of a wave is constant

Universal Wave Equation

v = f  where f is the frequency of the source vibration (in Hz)

Note: Wavelength and frequency have an inverse relationship

Example. If the wave shown can travel 120 m in 4.90 s,

HOMEWORK (Universal Wave Equation)

3. Consider the wave shown. If the source

4. v = 14.7727 m/s ; f = 1.087 Hz ;  = 13.6 m 5. 21 cm/s

LESSON 6: WAVE REFLECTION and INTERFERENCE

Wave Reflection Two types:

Application of Wave Reflection: Echolocation

There are two types of interference:

Complex waves are a combination of constructive and destructive interference

HOMEWORK (Reflection and Interference)

5. Sketch the resultant waves for the following: