String tension directly controls transverse wave speed, enabling instrument tuning

Evidence

The velocity of transverse vibrations is affected by factors other than just the material properties. For example, the static spring tension will have a significant effect on the acceleration of the golf balls in the golf ball-and-spring model. If the tension is low, then the force that restores the golf balls to their original position will be lower and so the wave will propagate more slowly than when the tension is higher. This allows us to adjust the velocity of transverse waves, which is very useful for tuning musical instruments. — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 99

Categorization

• SEED: Could anchor an essay on how musicians physically feel physics — tuning as tactile manipulation of wave velocity.