Wave speed is set by the medium, not the source

  1. 01

    The tempting model

    Assuming shaking a rope faster makes the wave travel faster.

  2. 02

    Why it feels right

    More vigorous shaking feels like it should send the wave faster.

  3. 03

    Where it breaks · how to catch it

    You changed v when only the frequency changed.

  4. 04

    The correct model

    v = √(T/μ) for a string — fixed by tension and density. Raising frequency shortens wavelength (v = fλ), not the speed.

  5. 05

    Repair · see it, then test it

    worked example You shake a rope twice as fast. What happens to wave speed?

    Tempting move

    It doubles.

    Correct move

    Speed is unchanged; wavelength halves.

    Test the repair SHM-02 · transfer
    The tension in a string is quadrupled while its linear density is unchanged. The wave speed changes by a factor of:

    Make a fresh prediction before referring to the worked example.