Wave Motion Physics Multiple Choice Question

Question

A string of length L is fixed at both ends. What is the wavelength of the standing wave with the smallest possible frequency (aka, the "fundamental frequency")?

A. L/2

B. L

C. 4L

D. 2L

Answer 1

The standing wave equation can be written

λ = 2L/n where λ is the wavelength, L is the length of the string, and n identifies the harmonic. For the fundamental frequency, n = 1 so λ = 2L.