A string of length 100 cm is held fixed at both ends and vibrates in a standing wave pattern. The wavelengths of the constituent traveling waves CANNOT be:
A) 400 cm
B) 200 cm
C) 100 cm
D) 66.7 cm
E) 50 cm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The wavelengths of the standing wave pattern must be a multiple of the fundamental wavelength, which is twice the length of the string (200 cm in this case). Therefore, the possible wavelengths are: 200 cm, 100 cm, 66.7 cm, 50 cm, etc. 400 cm is not a possible wavelength because it is not a multiple of the fundamental wavelength.

A String of Length 100 Cm Is Held Fixed at Both