Chapter 16: Problem 30
Use the wave equation to find the speed of a wave given in terms of the general function \(h(x, t)\) $$ y(x, t)=(4.00 \mathrm{~mm}) h\left[\left(30 \mathrm{~m}^{-1}\right) x+\left(6.0 \mathrm{~s}^{-1}\right) t\right] $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The wave speed is 0.20 m/s.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the wave equation
The general form of a traveling wave along a string is given by \( y(x, t) = h(kx + \omega t) \), where \( k \) is the wave number and \( \omega \) is the angular frequency. In our function, it is given as \( y(x, t) = (4.00 \mathrm{~mm}) h\left[\left(30 \mathrm{~m}^{-1}\right) x + \left(6.0 \mathrm{~s}^{-1}\right) t\right] \). Hence, \( k = 30 \; \mathrm{m}^{-1} \) and \( \omega = 6.0 \; \mathrm{s}^{-1} \).
02
Identify the formula to calculate wave speed
The wave speed \( v \) is calculated using the relationship between \( k \), the wave number, and \( \omega \), the angular frequency. The formula is given by \( v = \frac{\omega}{k} \).
03
Compute the wave speed
Substitute the values of \( \omega = 6.0 \; \mathrm{s}^{-1} \) and \( k = 30 \; \mathrm{m}^{-1} \) into the speed formula: \[ v = \frac{6.0 \; \mathrm{s}^{-1}}{30 \; \mathrm{m}^{-1}} = 0.20 \; \mathrm{m/s} \].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Wave Equation
The wave equation is a fundamental mathematical representation used to describe how waves travel through different mediums. It's key in physics and engineering for understanding wave phenomena such as sound, light, and water waves. A wave can be expressed mathematically using the function \( y(x, t) = A h(kx + \omega t) \).
- \( y(x, t) \) is the wave function.
- \( A \) represents the amplitude of the wave, which is the maximum displacement from its equilibrium position.
- \( h \) is a general wave function.
- \( k \) is the wave number, indicating how many waves fit into a unit distance.
- \( \omega \) is the angular frequency, representing how many oscillations occur in a unit time.
- \( t \) is the time variable.
Wave Number
The wave number, denoted as \( k \), is a crucial concept in wave mechanics. It essentially describes how many wavelengths fit into a given unit of space. Mathematically, it is defined as the reciprocal of the wavelength \( \lambda \), such that \( k = \frac{2\pi}{\lambda} \).
- \( k \) is measured in meters to the power of negative one (\( \mathrm{m}^{-1} \)), indicating the number of cycles per meter.
- A higher wave number means more waves are present over a shorter length.
- In the original exercise, the wave number is given as \( 30 \, \mathrm{m}^{-1} \).
Angular Frequency
Angular frequency \( \omega \) plays a vital role in describing the oscillatory motion of waves. It signifies how many cycles or oscillations a wave completes in a unit of time, usually measured in radians per second (\( \mathrm{s}^{-1} \)). It links directly to the frequency \( f \) of the wave through the relationship \( \omega = 2\pi f \).
- \( \omega \) illuminates the energetic and temporal characteristics of a wave.
- A higher angular frequency indicates quicker oscillations, signifying a more energetic wave.
- In the step-by-step solution, the given angular frequency is \( 6.0 \, \mathrm{s}^{-1} \).
Traveling Wave
A traveling wave is a type of wave that moves or propagates through a medium with time. It's characterized by a consistent transfer of energy from one point to another without the permanent displacement of the medium. Mathematically, it's expressed in a form \( y(x, t) = A h(kx + \omega t) \).
Key features include:
Key features include:
- Direction: Traveling waves can move in positive or negative directions depending on the sign in the wave function.
- Propagation: They demonstrate wave-like behaviors such as interference and diffraction.
- Speed: The speed of a traveling wave, \( v \), is determined by the formula \( v = \frac{\omega}{k} \), where in the exercise it is calculated as \( 0.20 \, \mathrm{m/s} \).