Chapter 9: Problem 1
Show that $$ z=A \mathrm{e}^{\mathrm{i}\left\\{\omega t-\left(k_{1} x+k_{2} y\right)\right\\}} $$ where \(k^{2}=\omega^{2} / c^{2}=k_{1}^{2}+k_{2}^{2}\) is a solution of the two- dimensional wave equation $$ \frac{\partial^{2} z}{\partial x^{2}}+\frac{\partial^{2} z}{\partial y^{2}}=\frac{1}{c^{2}} \frac{\partial^{2} z}{\partial t^{2}} $$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify the given function
Compute the second partial derivative of z with respect to x
Compute the second partial derivative of z with respect to y
Compute the second partial derivative of z with respect to t
Substitute into the wave equation
Equate to the right side and verify
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
two-dimensional waves
In two-dimensional waves, the wave vector is represented by two components, typically denoted as \( k_1 \) and \( k_2 \). These represent the wave numbers in the \( x \) and \( y \) directions, respectively. The wave number corresponds to the number of wave cycles per unit distance.
- Wave speed: The speed at which a wave propagates through a medium. It depends on the medium and the type of wave.
- Wave equation: Describes how waves move in a given space. It includes parameters like frequency, amplitude, and direction.
- A practical example: Sound waves in a room are a two-dimensional wave. They spread out in all available directions, generating complex patterns.
complex exponential wave solutions
The given function \( z = A \mathrm{e}^{\mathrm{i}(\omega t - (k_1 x + k_2 y))} \) is an instance of this type of solution. Here:
- \( A \) is the amplitude, representing the wave's strength.
- \( \omega \) is the angular frequency, determining how many oscillations occur in a given time frame.
- \( k_1 \) and \( k_2 \) are wave numbers along the \( x \) and \( y \) directions, showing how the wave varies in space.
When working with complex exponential solutions, always remember:
- They often simplify differential equations, making them easier to solve.
- They incorporate both amplitude and phase, providing a full wave description.
- They can easily be converted to real-valued solutions when needed.
partial differential equations
The two-dimensional wave equation presented here is a classic example of a PDE. It relates the changes in a wave function \( z(x, y, t) \) with respect to both space and time:\[\frac{\partial^{2} z}{\partial x^{2}} + \frac{\partial^{2} z}{\partial y^{2}} = \frac{1}{c^{2}} \frac{\partial^{2} z}{\partial t^{2}} \]
- Left side: Involves spatial derivatives, capturing how the wave changes in direction \( x \) and \( y \).
- Right side: Time derivative, accounting for the wave's change over time with factor \( 1/c^2 \).
The solution involves demonstrating equality between both sides of the PDE, achieved through careful calculation of derivatives and substituting constraints given by the wave's physical properties, such as \( k^2 = \frac{\omega^2}{c^2} \). In essence, solving a PDE involves:
- Calculating partial derivatives to express changes.
- Balancing both sides of the equation to confirm solutions.
- Incorporating physical conditions or constraints specific to the problem.