Question:medium

The fundamental frequency of sonometer wire is 'n'. If the tension and length are increased 3 times and diameter is increased twice, the new frequency will be

Show Hint

Frequency is inversely proportional to length and diameter, but directly proportional to the square root of tension.
Updated On: May 16, 2026
  • $\sqrt{\frac{3}{2}}n$
  • $\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}n$
  • $\frac{n}{2\sqrt{3}}$
  • $2\sqrt{3}n$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The fundamental frequency of a vibrating string depends on its length, tension, and its mass per unit length (which relates to diameter).
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Frequency $n = \frac{1}{2L} \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}$
Mass per unit length $\mu = \text{volume per unit length} \times \text{density} = \pi \left(\frac{D}{2}\right)^2 \cdot 1 \cdot \rho = \frac{\pi D^2 \rho}{4}$.
So, $n = \frac{1}{2L} \sqrt{\frac{T}{\pi D^2 \rho / 4}} = \frac{1}{LD} \sqrt{\frac{T}{\pi \rho}}$.
This shows $n \propto \frac{\sqrt{T}}{LD}$.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Initial frequency: $n \propto \frac{\sqrt{T}}{LD}$.
New parameters:
$T' = 3T$, $L' = 3L$, $D' = 2D$.
New frequency $n'$:
\[ n' \propto \frac{\sqrt{3T}}{(3L)(2D)} \]
\[ n' \propto \frac{\sqrt{3}}{6} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{T}}{LD} \]
Ratio:
\[ \frac{n'}{n} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{6} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2 \times 3} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2 \times \sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3}} = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{3}} \]
\[ n' = \frac{n}{2\sqrt{3}} \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
The new frequency will be $\frac{n}{2\sqrt{3}}$.
Was this answer helpful?
0