A sonometer's fundamental note is 50Hz, what is the new frequency when the tension is four times the original?

To solve this problem, we need to understand the relationship between tension and frequency in a sonometer wire. The frequency of a vibrating string, such as one in a sonometer, is directly proportional to the square root of the tension in the string. Mathematically, this relationship is expressed as:

f ∝ √T

Where f is the frequency and T is the tension. In the given problem, the original frequency is 50 Hz, and the tension is increased to four times its original value. Let's analyze how this change in tension affects the frequency:

- Original tension = T

- New tension = 4T

Substitute the new tension into the formula:

f_new = 50 Hz × √(4T/T)

Simplify the equation:

f_new = 50 Hz × √4

f_new = 50 Hz × 2

f_new = 100 Hz

Thus, when the tension is four times the original tension, the new frequency of the sonometer's fundamental note becomes 100 Hz.