The photograph shows a stringed instrument called a cello being played with a bow - Edexcel - A-Level Physics - Question 11 - 2023 - Paper 2

To determine the frequency of the note produced by the cello strings, we can refer to the relation between frequency, tension, and mass per unit length.

1. The frequency of the note can be expressed using the formula: $$$$

ho} $$ where:

• $f$ is the frequency,
• $L$ is the length of the string,
• $T$ is the tension,
• $ho$ is the mass per unit length (linear density).

2. Since we assume each string is the same length and at the same tension, our focus will be on the mass per unit length. A thicker string will have greater mass per unit length ($ho$).

3. Thus, since $ho$ is greater for a thicker string, it impacts the frequency:

   • A greater $ho$ results in a smaller value of $f$, indicating that the frequency of the thicker string is lower.

4. Conclusion: A thicker string will produce a note of lower frequency compared to a thinner string, since it has greater mass per unit length and the same tension.