Chapter 10: Problem 98
Which one of the following represent a travelling wave? (a) \(y-A \sqrt{(x-v)}\) (b) \(y=A \cos (a x+b c)\) (c) \(y=A \log (x-v t)\) (d) \(y=f\left(x^{2}-y^{2}\right)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Option (c) \(y = A \log (x - vt)\) is a traveling wave.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Form of a Traveling Wave
A traveling wave is typically represented by a function of the form \(y = f(x \, \pm \, vt)\) or \(y = f(x - vt)\) or \(y = f(x + vt)\), where \(v\) is the wave's velocity and \(t\) is time. This form indicates a wave moving through space.
02
Analyze Option (a)
Option (a) is given as \(y = A \sqrt{(x-v)}\). For a wave function, we expect it to depend on \(x\) and \(t\) combined in the form \(x \pm vt\). Here, the function depends only on \(x-v\), and there is no time \(t\) component, so it cannot represent a traveling wave.
03
Analyze Option (b)
Option (b) is given as \(y = A \cos (a x + b c)\). This function indicates a cosine wave in space but not dependent on time \(t\), and \(b\) and \(c\) do not clearly represent time. A traveling wave must involve both \(x\) and \(t\), so this cannot be a traveling wave.
04
Analyze Option (c)
Option (c) is \(y = A \log (x - vt)\). This function depends on the combination \(x - vt\), which fits the requirement of a traveling wave form \(y = f(x - vt)\). Hence, it represents a traveling wave.
05
Analyze Option (d)
Option (d) is \(y = f\left(x^{2}-y^{2}\right)\). This function depends on \(x^{2} - y^{2}\), which does not align with the form \(x \pm vt\). Thus, it cannot be a traveling wave.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Wave Function
The wave function is a fundamental tool used to describe waves in mathematics and physics. It tells us the displacement of a point on the wave as a function of space and time. In the simplest form, a wave function is expressed as:
- One-dimensional, like \(x\): \([\text{shape of wave}(t, x)]\)
- Depends on both space and time variables, implying motion across regions.
- Shows how the wave evolves over time.
Wave Velocity
Wave velocity refers to the speed at which any point on a wave, like the crest, propagates through a medium. It indicates how fast the wave travels and is crucial in understanding wave dynamics. The wave velocity \(v\) can be driven by different factors:
- The medium through which the wave travels.
- The type of wave (e.g., transverse or longitudinal).
Wave Equation
The wave equation is a fundamental part of physics that models how waves propagate through different mediums. It's a partial differential equation, widely used to describe mechanical waves, electromagnetic waves, and quantum mechanical waves. The standard form of the wave equation is:
- One-dimensional: \(\frac{\partial^2 y}{\partial t^2} = v^2 \frac{\partial^2 y}{\partial x^2}\)
- Relates the displacement \(y\), speed \(v\), and time \(t\).
Cosine Wave
A cosine wave is a specific type of wave, often used for its mathematical properties. It's similar to a sine wave, differing only in a phase shift. This wave can be represented by the equation \(y = A \cos(kx - \omega t)\) where:
- \(A\) is the amplitude, showing the wave’s height.
- \(kx - \omega t\) represents the phase, demonstrating movement over time and space.
- It's commonly used in fields like electronics, signal processing, and physics.