Speed of a Wave on a String Calculator
〰 Oscillations & waves. Use the Speed of a wave on a string formula to find wave speed, tension, mass per metre μ: pick the value you want, type the others, and the answer updates as you go.
μ = mass per metre of the string.
Pick the ○ next to the value you want to find, fill in the others, and it solves as you type.
What each letter means
| Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|
| Wave speed | m/s |
| Tension | N |
| Mass per metre μ | kg/m |
Worked example
Find the wave speed when Tension = 50 N, Mass per metre μ = 0.005 kg/m.
Using v = √(T/μ): Wave speed = 100 m/s.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for Speed of a wave on a string?
v = √(T/μ). μ = mass per metre of the string.
What do the letters stand for, and what units are used?
Wave speed in m/s, Tension in N, Mass per metre μ in kg/m.
How do you calculate wave speed?
Put the values into v = √(T/μ). For example, with Tension = 50 N, Mass per metre μ = 0.005 kg/m, wave speed = 100 m/s.
Can I solve for a different value?
Yes. In the calculator above, pick the circle next to any value (wave speed, tension, mass per metre μ) and fill in the others: it rearranges the formula for you.
