Harmonics
Part of the Optics, Waves and Modern Physics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 23 of 53.
A string can swing with n = 1, 2, 3... loops: the harmonics. n = 1 is the fundamental.
fₙ = n v / (2L)
Every harmonic is a whole number times the fundamental: fₙ = n f₁.
Challenge
Waves travel at 240 m/s on a string 0.6 m long, fixed at both ends. What is its fundamental frequency f_1?
Try it yourself
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Optics, Waves and Modern Physics
1Reflection and Refraction
Reflection of LightThe Refractive IndexSnell's LawTotal Internal ReflectionDispersionApparent DepthRecap - Optical Fiber4Mechanical Waves
What a Wave IsTwo Graphs of a WaveWhen Pulses MeetInterferenceStanding WavesHarmonicsRecap - Guitar String