Leumas Physics

Wave Speed On A String

v = sqrt(T / mu)

What it says

The speed of a transverse wave on a string equals the square root of the string tension divided by its linear mass density. Valid for an ideal flexible string; increasing tension raises the speed while a heavier string lowers it.

Symbols

SymbolQuantityDimension
vWave speed (m/s)L T^-1
TString tension (N)M L T^-2
muLinear mass density (kg/m)M L^-1

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Connects to

Filed under Waves · derive through it in the explorer