Question

A wave passes through a tight spring. What will happen on the wavelength of the wave if tension in the spring is reduced?

• A. Decrease
• B. Increase
• C. Remain the same
• D. Become zero
• E. Equal the length of the spring

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Decrease

$v=\lambda \times f\Rightarrow \lambda =\frac{v}{f}andv=\sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu }}$
When tension is reduced the velocity is also reduced, but the frequency depends upon the source which is not changed. Thus, the wavelength is also decreased.