Chapter 12, Problem 1CQ

What kinds of energy are associated with waves on a stretched string? How could such energy be detected experimentally?

To determine

The types of energy that are associated with waves on a stretched string and the way of detecting such energy.

Answer to Problem 1CQ

The types of energy that are associated with waves on a stretched string are the kinetic energy of the moving string and the elastic potential energy of the string. Attaching an object or measuring device to the end of the string can be used to detect this energy.

Explanation of Solution

When a stretched string is displaced from its equilibrium, it will have two kinds of energy. One is the kinetic energy due to the motion of the string and the other is the elastic potential energy of the string.

The detection of the kinetic energy of the string is done using an object or measuring device attached to the end of the string. The amplitude and frequency of the vibrations can be measured to compute the energy associated with the string.