Transverse Wave Simulation | Physics Lab

Transverse Wave Simulation

Visualizing wave propagation on a steel wire under tension

Wave Speed: 343.0 m/s
Wavelength: 68.6 m
20,588.575 N
5.0 Hz
20

Physics Principles

The speed of a transverse wave on a string is determined by the tension in the string and its mass per unit length:

v = √(T/μ)

Where:

  • v = wave speed (m/s)
  • T = tension in the string (N)
  • μ = mass per unit length (kg/m)

For this simulation, we're using a steel wire with:

  • Length = 12.0 m
  • Mass = 2.10 kg
  • μ = 0.175 kg/m

The default tension (20,588.575 N) is calculated to match the speed of sound in dry air at 20°C (343 m/s).

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