A stretched string is observed to vibrate in three equal segments when driven by a 480-Hz oscillator. What is the fundamental frequency of vibration for this string

160 Hz

Explanation:

Fundamental frequency, , is the lowest frequency that can be obtained from the stretched string. While higher frequencies are termed harmonics or overtones.

Since the string has three equal segments, the frequency generated, , is the second harmonic but third overtone.

From the relationship between and , we have;

                          = 3

⇒                     480 = 3

                             = 160

The fundamental frequency of vibration for the string is 160 Hz.