We see that the frequency of oscillation depends on the particular normal mode. It
is also proportional to the square root of the tension T and inversely proportional
to the square root of the mass m. We will encounter similar relationships for
standing waves on taut strings in Chapter 5. Indeed the normal modes shown in
Figure 4.19 are already starting to resemble standing waves on a taut string. This
similarity is even more striking when we have a larger number N of masses. To
emphasise this similarity we show in Figure 4.20 an arrangement of nine masses
connected by elastic strings of equal length l. The figure shows schematically three
of the possible modes of oscillation of this arrangement. Without pursuing the