Chapter 6: Superposition of Waves

EXERCISES [PAGES 156 - 157]

Exercises | Q 1.1 | Page 156

Choose the correct option:
When an air column in a pipe closed at one end vibrates such that three nodes are
formed in it, the frequency of its vibrations is _____ times the fundamental frequency.
1. 2
2. 3
3. 4
4. 5

SOLUTION
When an air column in a pipe closed at one end vibrates such that three nodes are
formed in it, the frequency of its vibrations is 5 times the fundamental frequency.
Exercises | Q 1.2 | Page 156
Choose the correct option.
If two open organ pipes of length 50 cm and 51 cm sounded together produce 7 beats
per second, the speed of sound is.
1. 307 m/s
2. 327 m/s
3. 350 m/s
4. 357 m/s

SOLUTION
357 m/s
Exercises | Q 1.3 | Page 156
Choose the correct option.
The tension in a piano wire is increased by 25%. Its frequency becomes ______ times
the original frequency.
1. 0.8
2. 1.12
3. 1.25
4. 1.56

SOLUTION
The tension in a piano wire is increased by 25%. Its frequency becomes 1.12 times the
original frequency.
Exercises | Q 1.4 | Page 156
Choose the correct option:
Which of the following equations represents a wave travelling along Y-axis?
1. x = A sin (ky - ωt)
2. y = A sin (kx - ωt)
3. y = A sin (ky) cos (ωt)
4. y = A cos (ky) sin (ωt)

SOLUTION
x = A sin (ky - ωt)
Here x is the particle displacement of the wave and the wave is travelling along the Y -
axis because the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave motion.
Exercises | Q 1.5 | Page 156

Choose the correct option:

A standing wave is produced on a string clamped at one end and free at the other. The
length of the string

SOLUTION

A standing wave is produced on a string clamped at one end and free at the other. Its
fundamental frequency is given by
Exercises | Q 2.1 | Page 156
Answer in brief:
A wave is represented by an equation y = A sin (Bx + Ct). Given that the constants A, B
and C are positive, can you tell in which direction the wave is moving?

SOLUTION
Equation of the wave is y = A sin (Bx + Ct).
When the variable of the equation is (Bx + Ct)
then the wave must be moving in the negative x direction.

Exercises | Q 2.2 | Page 156

Answer in brief:
A string is fixed at the two ends and is vibrating in its fundamental mode. It is known that
the two ends will be at rest. Apart from these, is there any position on the string which
can be touched so as not to disturb the motion of the string? What will be the answer to
this question if the string is vibrating in its first and second overtones?

SOLUTION
No. We know that in case of the fundamental mode, all points except the ends are
vibrating with different amplitudes.
Now, touching any point other than the ends will disturb the motion.
When the string will vibrate in the first overtone there is a node also at the midpoint
which is stationary.
This midpoint can be touched without disturbing the motion.
Thus, we can say that there is no point in the string that can satisfy the given condition.
Exercises | Q 2.3 | Page 156
Answer in brief:
What are harmonics and overtones?

SOLUTION
Harmonic frequencies are whole number multiples of the fundamental frequency or the
lowest frequency of vibration.
Consider a vibrating string. The modes of vibration are all multiples of the fundamental
and are related to the string length and wave velocity. Higher frequencies are found via

the relationship f n= nf 1, wavelength = where L is the string length.

An overtone is a name given to any resonant frequency above the fundamental
frequency or fundamental tone.

The list of successive overtones for an object is called the overtone series. The first
overtone as well as all subsequent overtones in the series may or may not be an integer
multiple of the fundamental. Sometimes the relationship is that simple, and other times it
is more complex, depending on the properties and geometry of the vibrating object.
Exercises | Q 2.4 | Page 156
Answer in brief.
For a stationary wave set up in a string having both ends fixed, what is the ratio of the
fundamental frequency to the second harmonic?

SOLUTION
The fundamental is the first harmonic. Therefore, the ratio of the fundamental frequency
(n) to the second harmonic (n 1) is 1 : 2.
Exercises | Q 2.5 | Page 156
Answer in brief.

The amplitude of a wave is represented by y = 0.2 sin 4π in SI units.

Find (a) wavelength, (b) frequency, and (c) amplitude of the wave.

SOLUTION
Exercises | Q 3 | Page 156
Answer in brief:
State the characteristics of progressive waves.

SOLUTION
Progressive wave
A progressive wave is defined as the onward transmission of the vibratory motion of a
body in an elastic medium from one particle to the successive particle.
Characteristics of a progressive wave
• Energy is transmitted from particle to particle without the physical transfer of
matter.

• The particles of the medium vibrate periodically about their equilibrium positions.

• In the absence of dissipative forces, every particle vibrates with the same
amplitude and frequency but differs in phase from its adjacent particles. Every
particle lags behind in its state of motion compared to the one before it.

• Wave motion is doubly periodic, i.e., it is periodic in time and periodic in space.

• The velocity of propagation through a medium depends upon the properties of

the medium.

• A transverse wave can propagate only through solids, but not through liquids and
gases while a longitudinal wave can propagate through any material medium.

• Progressive waves are of two types: transverse and longitudinal. In a

transverse mechanical wave, the individual particles of the medium vibrate
perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. The progressively
changing phase of the successive particles results in the formation of alternate
crests and troughs that are periodic in space and time.

In an em wave, the electric and magnetic fields oscillate in mutually

perpendicular directions, perpendicular to the direction of propagation. In a
longitudinal mechanical wave, the individual particles of the medium vibrate
 along the line of propagation of the wave. The progressively changing phase of
the successive particles results in the formation of typical alternate regions of
compressions and rarefactions that are periodic in space and time. Periodic
compressions and rarefactions result in periodic pressure and density variations
in the medium. There is no longitudinal em wave.

Exercises | Q 4 | Page 156

Answer in brief:
State the characteristics of stationary waves.

SOLUTION
Stationary wave:
When two, identical, progressive waves of equal amplitudes and equal wavelengths and
traveling in a similar medium, along the similar straight line, but in opposite directions,
interfere, and then the wave formed is called a standing wave or a stationary wave.
Characteristics of stationary waves:
1. Stationary waves are produced by the interference of two identical progressive
waves travelling in opposite directions, under certain conditions.

2. The overall appearance of a standing wave is of alternate intensity maximum

(displacement antinode) and minimum (displacement node).

3. The distance between adjacent nodes (or antinodes) is λ/2.

4. The distance between successive node and antinode is λ/4.

5. There is no progressive change of phase from particle to particle. All the particles
in one loop, between two adjacent nodes, vibrate in the same phase, while the
particles in adjacent loops are in opposite phase.

6. A stationary wave does not propagate in any direction and hence does not
transport energy through the medium.

Exercises | Q 5 | Page 156

Derive an expression for the equation of stationary wave on a stretched string.

SOLUTION
When two progressive waves having the same amplitude, wavelength and speed
propagate in opposite directions through the same region of a medium, their
superposition under certain conditions creates a stationary interference pattern called a
stationary wave.
Consider two simple harmonic progressive waves, of the same amplitude A, wavelength
λ, and frequency n = ω/2π, traveling on a string stretched along the x-axis in opposite
directions. They may be represented by
y1 =A sin (ωt - kx) (along the + x-axis) and ...........(1)
y2 = A sin (ωt + kx) (along the − x-axis) ............(2)
where k = 2π/λ is the propagation constant.
By the superposition principle, the resultant displacement of the particle of the medium
at the point at which the two waves arrive simultaneously is the algebraic sum
Y = Y1 +Y2 = A [sin(ωt - kx) + sin (ωt + kx)]

Exercises | Q 6 | Page 156

Find the amplitude of the resultant wave produced due to interference of two waves
given as y1 = A1 sinωt, y2 = A2 sin(ωt + φ)

SOLUTION
The amplitude of the resultant wave produced due to the interference of the two waves
is

Exercises | Q 7 | Page 156

State the laws of vibrating strings

SOLUTION
The fundamental frequency of vibration of a stretched string or wire of uniform cross-
section is

Exercises | Q 8 | Page 156

Show that only odd harmonics are present in an air column vibrating in a pipe closed at
one end.

SOLUTION
Consider the different modes of vibration of an air column within a pipe closed at one
end. Let L be the length of the pipe.
Stationary waves are formed within the air column when the time taken by the sound
waves to produce a compression and rarefaction becomes equal to the time taken
by the wave to travel twice the length of the tube. The standing waves are formed only
for certain discrete frequencies.
In the first mode of vibration of the air column, there is one node and one antinode as
shown in the figure above.
If λ is the length of the wave in the fundamental mode of vibration,
Then, Length of the air column, L=λ/4
⇒ λ = 4L .................... (1)
As velocity of the wave, v = nλ
n = v/λ
substituting (1) we get:
n = v/4L; Frequency of the fundamental mode
In the second mode of vibration of the air column, two nodes and two antinodes are
formed.
In this case:
The length of the air column, L=3λ1/4
where λ1 is the wavelength of the wave in the second mode of vibration,
⇒λ = 4L/3 .................(1)
v = n 1λ1
n 1 = v/λ1
substituting (1), we get

This frequency is called the third harmonics or first overtone

Similarly, during the third mode of vibration of the air column, three nodes and three
antinodes are formed.
Here,
The length of the air column, L = 5λ 2/4
where λ2 is the wavelength of the wave in third mode of vibration,
⇒ λ2 = 4L/5 ...........................(1)
v = n 2λ2
n 2 = v/λ2
substituting (1), we get

This frequency is called the fifth harmonic or second overtone.

Thus, we see that the frequencies of the modes of vibrations are in the ratio n:n 1:n 2 =
1:3:5. This shows that only odd harmonics are present in the modes of vibrations of the
air column closed at one end.
Exercises | Q 9 | Page 156
With a neat labelled diagram, show that all harmonics are present in an air column
contained in a pipe open at both the ends. Define end correction.

SOLUTION
Stationary waves are produced due to the superposition of two identical simple
harmonic progressive waves traveling through the same part of the medium in opposite
direction. In the case of pipe open at both ends, the air molecules near the open end
are free to vibrate, hence they vibrate with maximum amplitude. Therefore the open end
becomes an antinode.

The simplest mode of vibration is the fundamental mode of vibration. (in above fig a ) In
this case one node & two antinodes are formed. If λ 1 be the corresponding wavelength
&
The next possible mode of vibration is called the 1st overtone. (in above fig) In this
case, two nodes and three antinodes are formed. If λ 2 and n 2 be the corresponding
wavelength and frequency,

The next possible mode of vibration is called 2nd overtone. (in above fig c) In this case
three nodes & four antinodes are formed. If λ3 and n 3 be the corresponding wavelength
& frequency,
Thus in case of pipe open at both end, all harmonics are present.
In this case, the node is forming at the closed-end i.e. at the water surface & antinode is
forming at the open end. But antinode is not formed exactly at the open end but slightly
outside it since air molecules are free to vibrate. The correction has to be applied is
called end correction.
Exercises | Q 10 | Page 156
A wave of frequency 500 Hz is traveling with a speed of 350 m/s. (a) What is the phase
difference between two displacements at a certain point at times 1.0 ms apart? (b) what
will be the smallest distance between two points which are 45° out of phase at an
instant of time?

SOLUTION
Exercises | Q 11 | Page 157
A sound wave in a certain fluid medium is reflected at an obstacle to form a standing
wave. The distance between two successive nodes is 3.75 cm. If the velocity of sound
is 1500 m/s, find the frequency.

SOLUTION

Exercises | Q 12 | Page 157

Two sources of sound are separated by a distance of 4 m. They both emit sound with
the same amplitude and frequency (330 Hz), but they are 180° out of phase. At what
points between the two sources, will the sound intensity be maximum?

SOLUTION

Directly at the center of two sources of sound, path difference is zero. But since the
waves are 180° out of phase, two maxima on either side should be at a distance of λ/4
from the point at the center. Other maxima will be located each λ/2 further along.
Thus, the sound intensity will be maximum at ± 0.25, ± 0.75, ± 1.25, ± 1.75 m from the
point at the center.

Exercises | Q 13 | Page 157

Two sound waves travel at a speed of 330 m/s. If their frequencies are also identical
and are equal to 540 Hz, what will be the phase difference between the waves at points
3.5 m from one source and 3 m from the other if the sources are in phase?
SOLUTION

Exercises | Q 14 | Page 157

Two wires of the same material and the same cross-section are stretched on a
sonometer. One wire is loaded with 1.5 kg and another is loaded with 6 kg. The
vibrating length of the first wire is 60 cm and its fundamental frequency of vibration is
the same as that of the second wire. Calculate the vibrating length of the other wire.

SOLUTION
Exercises | Q 15 | Page 157
A pipe closed at one end can produce overtones at frequencies 640 Hz, 896 Hz, and
1152 Hz. Calculate the fundamental frequency.

SOLUTION
The difference between the given frequencies of the overtones is 256 Hz. This implies
that they are consecutive overtones. Let n c be the fundamental frequency of the closed
pipe and n q , n q-1 = the frequencies of the q th , (q + 1)th and (q + 2)th consecutive
overtones, where q is an integer.
Data: n q = 640 Hz, n q-1 = 896 Hz, n q+2 = 1152 Hz Since only odd harmonics are present
as overtones,
nq = (2q + 1) n c
and n q+t = [2(q + 1) + 1] n c = (2q + 3) n c

Therefore, the three given frequencies correspond to the second, third and fourth
overtones, i.e., the fifth, seventh and ninth harmonics, respectively.
∴ 5n c = 640 ∴ bc = 128 Hz
Exercises | Q 16 | Page 157
A standing wave is produced in a tube open at both ends. The fundamental frequency is
300 Hz. What is the length of the tube? (speed of the sound = 340 m s -1).

SOLUTION
Data: For the tube open at both the ends,
n = 300 Hz and v = 340 m s-1 Ignoring end correction, the fundamental frequency of the
tube is
Exercises | Q 17 | Page 157

Find the fundamental, first overtone, and second overtone frequencies of a pipe, open
at both the ends, of length 25 cm if the speed of sound in air is 330 m/s.

SOLUTION
Data: Open pipe, L = 25 cm = 0.25 m, v = 330 m/s The fundamental frequency of an
open pipe ignoring end correction,

Exercises | Q 18 | Page 157

A pipe open at both the ends has a fundamental frequency of 600 Hz. The first overtone
of a pipe closed at one end has the same frequency as the first overtone of the open
pipe. How long are the two pipes?

SOLUTION
Data: Open pipe, n O = 600 Hz, n c, 1 = n O, 1 (first overtones)
For an open pipe, the fundamental frequency,
The length of the pipe open at both ends is 27.5 cm and the length of the pipe closed at
one end is 20.6 cm.
Exercises | Q 19 | Page 157
A string 1m long is fixed at one end. The other end is moved up and down with
frequency of 15 Hz. Due to this, a stationary wave with four complete loops gets
produced on the string. Find the speed of the progressive wave which produces the
stationary wave.
[Hint: Remember that the moving end is an antinode.]

SOLUTION
Data: L = 1 m, n = 15 Hz.
The string is fixed only at one end. Hence, an antinode will be formed at the free end.
Thus, with four and a half loops on the string, the length of the string is
Exercises | Q 20 | Page 157
A violin string vibrates with fundamental frequency of 440Hz. What are the frequencies
of the first and second overtones?

SOLUTION
Data: n = 440 Hz
The first overtone, n 1 = 2n = 2 x 400 = 880 Hz
The second overtone, n 2 = 3n = 3 x 400 = 1320 Hz
Exercises | Q 21 | Page 157
A set of 8 tuning forks is arranged in a series of increasing order of frequencies. Each
fork gives 4 beats per second with the next one and the frequency of last fork is twice
that of the first. Calculate the frequencies of the first and the last fork.

SOLUTION
Data: n 8 = 2n 1, beat frequency = 4Hz
The set of a tuning fork is arranged in the increasing order of their frequencies.
∴ n2 = n1 + 4
n3 = n2 + 4 = n1 + 2 × 4
n4 = n3 + 4 = n1 + 3 × 4
∴ n 8 = n 7 + 4 = n 1 + 7 × 4 = n 1 + 28
Since n 8 = 2n 1,
2n 1 = n 1 + 28
∴ The frequency of the first fork, n 1 = 28 Hz
∴ The frequency of the last fork,
n 8 = n 1 + 28 = 28 + 28 = 56 Hz
Exercises | Q 22 | Page 157
A sonometer wire is stretched by the tension of 40 N. It vibrates in unison with a tuning
fork of frequency 384 Hz. How many numbers of beats get produced in two seconds if
the tension in the wire is decreased by 1.24 N?
SOLUTION

Exercises | Q 23 | Page 157

A sonometer wire of length 0.5 m is stretched by a weight of 5 kg. The fundamental
frequency of vibration is 100 Hz. Calculate the linear density of wire.

SOLUTION
Exercises | Q 24 | Page 157
The string of a guitar is 80 cm long and has a fundamental frequency of 112 Hz. If a
guitarist wishes to produce a frequency of 160 Hz, where should the person press the
string?

SOLUTION