The speed of a transverse wave on a string of linear mass density μ under tension T is
A{'text': 'T × μ', 'label': 'A'}
B{'text': '√(T/μ)', 'label': 'B'}
C{'text': 'T / μ', 'label': 'C'}
D{'text': '√(T × μ)', 'label': 'D'}
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. {'text': '√(T/μ)', 'label': 'B'}
1. Tension provides the restoring force for a stretched string.
2. Linear mass density μ (mass per unit length) provides the inertia.
3. Wave speed v = √(T / μ), analogous to v = √(force/inertia).
4. So doubling tension increases v by √2; doubling μ decreases v by √2.
_Source: NCERT Class 11 Physics, Ch 14 "Waves", §14.4_
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