will the density of the string in a "tin-can telephone" affect the speed of the wave?

Question

turingtest · Answer

if the density is higher but the wire is the same shape and size, it has more mass, hence more inertia. that should slow the waves up-down motion.

tcp2315 · Answer

thanks, i was hoping that would be true, now any idea how to measure the speed of the waves once they reach the other side? im stuck and need to design a way to do so

turingtest · Answer

Sorry but I know of no shortcuts to this kind of problem, though I do believe they exist. The only way that I know of to find out this kind of thing is to completely solve the string, which involves using partial differential equations (pretty hard): http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/DE/VibratingString.aspx perhaps an engineering site of some kind can provide a simpler equation? try http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=204859 sorry I can't help more...

tcp2315 · Answer

its alright, thanks for your efforts!