Verified Solution Physics Units and Measurements

The frequency (f) of vibration of a string depends on its length (l), tension (T), and mass per unit length (m). Using dimensional analysis, find the relation for the frequency.

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Solution ✔ Verified
Answer

Let f = k * l^a * T^b * m^c. Dimensions: f=[T^-1], l=[L], T=[M L T^-2], m=[M L^-1]. Substituting dimensions: [T^-1] = [L]^a * [M L T^-2]^b * [M L^-1]^c. Equating powers of M, L, T: M: 0 = b + c; L: 0 = a + b - c; T: -1 = -2b. From T: b = 1/2. From M: c = -b = -1/2. From L: a = c - b = -1/2 - 1/2 = -1. So, f = k * l^-1 * T^(1/2) * m^(-1/2) = (k/l) * sqrt(T/m).

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